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TlIK TOWER TX ORKXAUr, PARK. 



The Town and 
People 



A CHRONOLOGICAL COMPILATION 
OF CONTRIBUTED WRITINGS FROM 
PRESENT AND PAST RESIDENTS OF 
THE TOWN OF ::::::: : 



Woodbury, Connecticut 

^ ^ ]EDiteJ> b« 

< 




g JULIA MINOR STRONG 




Woodbury, Conn., 1901 



/Dattatuc»? press: 
The Waterbury Blank Book Mfg. Co. 

1901 



t 



\ \5.H.or 




( \0 u^ 



COPYRIGHT, 

BY JULIA MINOR STRONG, 

1901. 



PREFACE. 

The life of a town, as of individuals, is a treasur) of experience, 
which results in social progress and improvement, and its real value 
depends, not on its length and breadth, hut upon the character of its 
people, their integrity, industry, goodness and loyalty as individuals. 

A year ago the thought occurred to the compiler that a Souvenir 
Book of Woodbury, which should represent this historic town of 
New England and people, would be of interest to the present genera- 
tion, and to those who had been residents in other years. The letter 
of invitation desired historic reminiscences, descriptions of present 
locations, topics of interest and selected writings from present and 
former inha])itants of WOodbury. 

The replies received contained words of congratulation and 
pleasant recollections. Each respt)nse has ])een considered a valued 
treasure. 

All the events and writings included in these pages exist twice, 
at the time when they first occurred, and again as they are brought to 
mind for the ])leasure and benefit of a later time, they serve to 
unite the i)ast with the present and to help on the future. Special 
acknowledgment and grateful appreciation is expressed to all who 
have taken a kindly interest in the preparation of this book, and to the 
"Waterbury American"' and 'AA'oodbury Reporter" for permission to 
include writings regarding this town which had been contributed to 
their pages. 

The illustrations of the town have been prepared from ])hoto- 
graphs taken by the Editor of this book. 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAl.E 

THE TOWER IN ORENAUG PARK Frontispiece 

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH i5 

THE NORTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH i7 

THE CHAPEL OF THE NORTH CONGREGATIONAL 

CHURCH 20 

VIEW IN NORTH WOODBURY 2a 

VIEW LOOKING SOUTH FROM THE FIRST CONGRE- 
GATIONAL CHURCH 30 

THE PROBATE OFFICE 44 

THE PARKER HOUSE AND ACADEMY 53 

VIEW FROM THE PARKER HOUSE LOOKING NORTH 57 

THE QUAKER SHERMAN HOUSE 61 

VIEW NEAR THE NORTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 65 

WEST STREET TOWARD HOTCHKISSVILLE 7i 

THE NORTH PART OF MAIN STREET ON THE EAST 

SIDE 81 

MAIN STREET LOOKING SOUTH FROM CHARLES C. 

MITCHELL'S RESIDENCE 83 

THE NORTH PART OF MAIN STREET ON THE WEST 

SIDE 87 

THE CABINET SHOP 90 

THE POMPERAUG RIVER AT TERRILL'S MEADOWS . . 92 

SMILES AND TEARS 96-105 

THE CASTLE OF CHILLON "7 

STRONG'S BLOCK '^9 

THE STORE OF W. H. MUNSON AND YOUNG MEN'S 

CLUB ROOM ^^^ 

THE AMERICAN SHEAR AND KNIFE COMPANY 136 

THE GATES OF ORENAUG PARK 141 

SILVER LAKE IN ORENAUG PARK Mi 

VIEW NEAR SOLDIERS' MONUMENT i45 



1, 1ST OI* ll.l.l'STRATlONS. 

PACE. 

THE MITCHELL SCHOOL i59 

THE MILLS OF MINORTOWN 164 

THE STORE AND RESIDENCE OF CHARLES M, HAR- 
VEY 170 

THE T. M. THOMPSON RESIDENCE \7^ 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 181 

ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 188 

THE GLEBE HOUSE 190 

THE HOLLOW STORE 192 

THE RESIDENCE AND BLOCK OF F. F. HITCHCOCK 

AND STORE OF W. M. STILES 197 

THE CURTIS HOUSE 204 

VIEW LOOKING EAST FROM STRON(VS BLOCK 210 

THE ORTON TAVERN 216 

THE CORNER STORE 2U) 

THE BLACKSMITH SHOPS IN WOODBURY 221 

DURING THE LONG PRAYER 228-230 

MAIN STREET LOOKING NORTH 234 

THE SHORE OF QUASSAPAUG LAKE 239 

THE GEORGE B. LEWIS BLOCK 253 

KING SOLOMON'S LODGE 260 

VIEW FROM THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. SOUTH 265 

VIEW FROM PROSPECT STREET 278 

THE STORE OF GEORGE W. PROCTOR 291 

WEST SIDE MANUFACTORIES 294 

THE RESERVOIR 304 

THE MILLS OF DANIEL CURTISS' SONS 315 

THE STORE OF G. F. MORRIS AND PIOTCHKISSVILLL 

POST OFFICE ?,22 

THE FALLS OF THE POMPERAUG RI\KR NEAR THE 

GOLF LINKS 340 

THE POMPERAUG RIVER BELOW THE FALLS 344 

THE FALLS OF THE EAST MEADOW BROOK 360 



JANUARY 



Jaxl'arv 1, 1900. — The remark made by a visitor to our town that 
Woodbury iiad all the modern ideas, both financial and social, led the 
writer to look at Woodbury as it was and now is. 

Statistics show that once it had a population of five thousand 
three hundred and thirteen, and to-day is about two thousand, which, 
at a first look, is far from reassuring-, but the reasons that appear are 
good and sutlicient. In 1779 the town of Washington was formed 
from what had been called Judea and New Preston Ecclesiastical 
Societies, taking off some of Woodbury's territory and people, but 
still there was enough left for more to follow the example and ask 
to be set off and incorporated by themselves as towns. 

In 1787 two more societies applied to the General Assenlbly and 
received charters as towns : the Society of Bethlehem, about four 
and one-half miles long l)y four wide, and the societies of Southbury, 
South Britain and that part of Oxford that belonged to Woodbury, 
a territory about four miles long and eight wide, were taken from 
the North and South ends and incorporated as towns, and still 
Woodburv, in 1790. had a population of twenty-six hundred and 
sixtv-two. Finally Roxbury Society, situated on the west border, 
obtained from the General Assembly in 1796 a charter for a separate 
town, and the population of Woodbury in 1800 was nineteen hundred 
and forty-four. 

In the writer's search he found this was one of many incidents in 
the history of the State in which Woodbury took an important part, 
for an examination of Cothren's History of Ancient Woodbury 
shows stirring times, men of note and energy up to and through 
the Revolutionary War and in the War of the Rebellion. Again 
Woodbury stood to the front in its duty to its country and flag in 
furnishing men and means. No mention has been made of the men 
furnished bv Woodbury to other towns and states, as it is not the 



8 THE TOWN AND I'KdI'LE 

intention of the writer to write a iiistory, but to stimulate those 
who read this to look and see what manner of town it is they live 
in and what it has done and its proper place, and then to bend their 
energies to help maintain that place. 

VVoodbur}', as for location, lies in a valley with as beautiful a 
landscai^e no matter in which direction you may turn as is to be 
found in an}- town. Its people are thrifty farmers, mechanics, mer- 
chants and manufacturers. 

A person may stand on the main street leading from the town to 
Pomperaug' \'alle\' station, and as he sees the merchandise come in 
to the town the question arises, where does it go to, who consum.'s it 
all? 

He has but to spend a short time at one of the fifteen or more 
stores to see that many strangers come, purchase and carry awa) a 
large amount of merchandise to the surrounding towns, showing 
that Woodbury is a center in its way as much as the larger places. 

W'l iiHl1)ur\- to-da\' holds the- unique position of being the largest 
inland town without railroad connections, and although many out- 
siders consider that to be one of its charms, it is looked ui)on without 
d()ubt as a drawback, but the prospect that this will be changed in 
the near future is ver)- bright. 

The main street, with its well kept lawns, handsome reside. v. es. 
and general air of thrift and prosperity, its good water su])])!}, un- 
e(|ualed for a town of its size anywhere, is one that is hard to beat, 
and the judgment given b}- the im])artial non-resident has sustained 
that re])Utation. 

We have just glanced at the i)ast. and at Woodbury as it is now. 
l'erba])s a glance at the future would not be amiss, as the future lies 
with ourselves to make and keep as we will. 

1 i we lend to hold up all moral and financial interests thai are 
for the strengthening and uplifting, and frown down that which 
is evil and fraudulent, we may have a hai)])y and ])rosperous com- 
nuun'ly with a steady growth in i)oi)ulation. wealth and iuHuence 
in the countx' and commonwealth. 

We must give u]). to a certain extent, our own selfish interest and 
not kee]) i)ushiug liackward. "IJecause it is in Woodbur\- 1 know it 



\V(H)I)|!IKV. CONNKCTKTT 



will not amount to an\ tliin,q-,'" should not be our motto, but "We will 
do it, if possible." and all having that aim we can succeed in all 
tnat I have pictured and more. 

WooDiuKv. Conn. Asaiiel VV. Mitchell. 

jANa-ARV 1. 1869. — A very pleasant and enjoyable church 
gathering, called a "l^oll Call Meeting." was held on New Year's eve 
by the First Congregatonal Church at their parlors. The pastor, 
Rev. y. A. Freeman, who had planned the evening, sent cards of in- 
vitation to all memliers of the congregation and pastors of the other 
churches to be present ; also requests to all former pastors who were 
living to send a reply to be read at the entertainment. Mrs. James 
H. Linsley was in charge of the arrangements regarding the col- 
lation. The music was under the direction of Nathaniel M. Strong, 
leader of the choir. \Aith these preparations no one doubted the 
gathering would be pleasant and ]^rofital)le. The parlors of the 
church had lieen tastefully decorated for the occasion. At 5 p. m., 
the hour, the ])arlors of the church were crowded with guests. The 
ladies had provided bountifully, and the tables were reset three times. 
About one hundred and fifty people sat down to partake of the 
abundant supply. The company was composed of all of the people, 
the voung. middle aged and the old people were there. Mrs. Lucinda 
Banks. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Strong, Mr. Merlin Upson, Mrs. Eunice 
Benedict and others. About half past seven the exercises began 
with singing of "Auld Lang Syne" l)y the choir, followed by the 
reading of Psalm CI II and prayer by the pastor. Rev. J. A. Freeman. 
Then the clerk of the church, Mr. Charles E. Strong, called the 
roll, and one hundred and thirteen responded to their names. Each 
member answered by a text of Scri])ture. an appropriate sentiment or 
lines from a familiar hyn.m. A historical paper prepared by William 
Cothreu was read: also one l)y Mrs. Emily G. Smith. Letters were 
read from the living ministers who were pastors of the church. Rev. 
Lucius Curtiss of Hartford, Rev. Robert C. Williams of Amherst, 
Mass., Rev. Charles Robinson of Scranton, Pa., Rev. Chas. Little, 
Passadena, Cal.. Rev. Horace Winslow. Weatogue, Rev. A. W. 
Colver, Ctmdiff, Kan., Rev. A. P. Powelson, EHensburg, Wash. 



10 Till-; TOWX AND PKOI'l.H 

Letters were also received from Mrs. James A. Gallup of Madison, 
daughter of Rev. Samuel R. Andrews, Mrs. Gurdon Noyes of New 
Haven. Mrs. Sarah E. Trowbridge of Norfolk and ^fiss Fannie C. 
Trowbridge of Auburn, N. Y. 

These papers were all characteristic and happy in their spirit and 
interest. The deep, unchanging principles of church life and work 
were emphasized by all the writers. Sentiment, pathos and in- 
struction were blended together and all enjoyed the memories of for- 
mer things that were awakened b\- the messages that came from 
these earnest and interested friends, some of them so far away. Mr. 
Cothren dwelt upon the history of the church, Mrs. E. G. Smith gave 
reminiscences. The older ministers could not fail to remember and 
bring to our remembrance the faces of those who are not with us, 
since God has taken them. The younger pastors imparted some of 
their enthusiasm b} their glowing description of the things that 
will come to pass in the far West in the near future, and earnestness 
in the Master's service Ijy the simple yet wonderfully expressive facts 
of their every-day life. 

Rev. J. L. R. Wyckoff, pastor of the North Church, representing 
the youngest of the five daughter churches of the old First Church, 
gave most appropriate, interesting and characteristic remarks con- 
gratulatory to the occasion. 

In the course of the evening the beautiful hymn, "Blest Be the Tie 
that Binds," was sung, and before parting the hymn "All Hail the 
Power of Jesus' Name." 

The closing remarks of the pastor were in reference to the unity 
of the Christian church. After a short prayer the exercises were 
concluded with the benediction. Much gratitude was expressed to 
the absent friends who had contributed to the interest of this most 
pleasant and memorable occasion — Condensed from the account of 
Roll Call Meethii:; of the first Coiii^rei^ational Church. JJ'oodhury. 



\\(i()i)i:ru\-, cox MX'Ticr'i' II 

JAXLARV I, i88y. — Two hundred and nineteen years ago seven- 
teen of the early fathers at Stratford by tlie sea, with a grand faitli 
in God and a suhhme courage, si.qiied the fundamental articles of set- 
tlement and removed their families to these hills and vales and 
fastnesses, built their first rude cabins of logs, erected their altars for 
the worship of God, and joyfully called this smiling land by the 
poetical name of Woodbury, "A dwelling place in the woods." The 
worthy fathers wrought well, and the succeeding generations, in- 
cluding our own, have entered into their labors, making the axiom 
true that it has taken all the past to make the present. We may 
account it well, then, to have seasons of review like this to inquire 
whether we have lived up to our privileges and enuilated all that was 
excellent in the lives of the fathers who have gone before and entered 
upon their great reward. It is a notable fact that four revered 
godly pastors occupied our pulpit and left our people during the 
long period of one hundred and seventy-two years — \\'alker, Stod- 
dard, I'enedict and Andrews. To the earnest and thoughtful 
Christian it would seem that Mr. Andrews was specially raised up to 
meet the exigencies of the times. The church, under his pastorate 
of nearly thirt}' years, continued to enjoy uninterrupted peace and 
prosperity. Two hundred and sixty-three persons were added to 
the church and two hundred and forty-three were baptized. Three 
revivals took place during his ministry, in one of wdiich forty persons 
became converts and twenty-six joined the church in one day. being 
the largest numljer that had ever joined the church in one day since 
its formation in 1670. At the alloted time he passed to a bright re- 
union with his Father and his God, to whom he had rendered a life 
of love and filial service. Few men have lived whose memory is so 
embalmed in the hearts of surviving parishioners and friends. Rev. 
Gurdon W. Xoyes of Fair Haven was installed pastor December <S, 
1869, and gave us the best ten years of his life in faithful and suc- 
cessful ministrations, and he too, has ascended into glory and gone 
like Mr. .Andrews from earthly scenes in a moment and well may we 
say of him also that "he walked with God and he was not, for God 
took him." .All the others who have labored for us as our well 
beloved pastors are still living and engaged in the work of the Lord 
in various fields of usefulness in our broad land. 



12 



THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 



Tliose of US who have Hved in tliis church for nearly fifty years 
and carefully noted its developing- history have seen that its people 
have kept fully ahreast of the times. We have seen a steadily 
developing- change in the current of relig-ious inquiry, feeling- and 
experience. The ever-recurring- wonders revealed bv the discoveries 
of science, which not unfrequently seem to antagonize the old way 
and old beliefs, and to furnish religious doubt, while they may have 
staggered and perhaps caused some to fall l)y the wayside, have as 
a rule only increased the earnestness with which the verv truth has 
been sought ])>• our people. Tlicir liOpes liave been more and more 
anchored to the teachings of our Savior and their firm belief that 
there was no salvation in any other. — Roll Call Mec/liij^ of First 
Clnircli. 

William Cotitrkx. 
January i. 1889. 

You ask for tlie roll-call a li-il>iitc of ^(ing ! 
My steed has been stabled I know not how long; 
His wings may be drooping, his mdtions ndt free. 
But trusting forbearance, we'll try him and see. 

Now quicker by far than his name ynu cnuld say. 
He will carry us back over Times old highway 
To the year sixteen seventy's bright May day morn. 
When in (|uaint town of Stratford our roll-call was b.)rn. 

I wish we cnuld see th(Tse twenty staunch men. 
Each signing his name with a [thuny (|uill |)cn ; 
I wish we could hear them, as clear on llie air 
Rise the tones of united and far-reaching prayer. 

At length to this wilderness liravely they came 
Among Red Alen and wolves that were e(pially tame: 
They both relished Hesh. and the former 1 trow. 
Could cut the hair closer than barbers do now. 

.•\.nd wdien tlie I'ude home> they were quick to prepare, 
Were ready, the roll-call was kejjt here and there, 
.\nd on warm sunmier days, like true Puritan stock. 
They worshipped in shade of that high shelving rock. 



WOODIURV, COXKKCTICIT I3 

Apiiropriate Bethel, wlicre car\f(l on the trees 
Was the grandest old roll-call. I challenge the breeze 
In its varied researches all over the earth 
To find any names of such geiiuine wdrth. 

Just linger a moment and take in the scene. 
The trees all arrayed in rich dresses of green. 
Those older ones raising their columns so high. 
As if stationed to hold up the arch of the sky. 

I cannot repeat now the sermon .and iirayer : 

Here's a chance to loan ears, while on vibrating air 

Moves majestic "Old Hundred" with stateliest tread. 

While from warblers unseen, drop the "grace notes" o'erhead. 

1 enjoy looking over their costmnes as well. 

But you'd call me so wicked. I'd better n(^t tell 

Of the (|ueer leather breeches and three cornered hats. 

For any remaining inquire of — the rats. 

The years drifted on. a half score more or less. 
When a new site was chosen their efforts to bless. 
It was found neath the shade of that grandest old tree. 
Yon Sycamore, calling up "Zaccheus he.'' 

As the old Primer has it. no time for a laugh. 
The Indians were ready to dri\e them like chafl : 
So they stacked up their muskets against any shock. 
Setting sentinel guards on each neighboring rock. 

I have often been told that from thence the drum beat 
Was the roll-call to w|i)rship for all thnnigh the street. 
But slowly we'll haste through the lichen-grey past 
. The subject we're handling grows more and more vast. 

The next place our roll-call was cited to hi! 

Was a new church that stood (ui "Old Meetin' House Hill." 

Seventeen forty-seven, October tlie date. 

None are left on that roll by the scissors of fate. 

Now down to oiu- times we are coming at last. 
Are we worthy outgrowth of the sky-lighted past? 
I know not, Do you ? For whoever can tell 
Must search deep for I'ruth. Her address is a well. 



14 THK TOW-X AM) I'lColMJ". 

I can liaixlly foi"l.)e:ir till our fore-ljtars arc shown 
As ignorant (juitc of so mncli \vc have known — 
The telegraph, jilionograph, graphs witliont end. 
Bacil'i and sucli. 'gainst which we ninst defend. 

Vet we know that their lives and their skies were as fair. 
Their "Prize Strains" of thought-germs, still float in oiu" air. 
And to them holding place in the great witness throng. 
We hall(Tw an evening while passing along. 

j\nd some wdiom we cherished in tenclerest lo\'e. 
In silent response to the roll-call alxne. 
Ha\'e passed from life's "A'.anitv Fair" and its show. 
And entered "the land that no mortal may know." 

You nmst ].)e aware I was drafted for rhyme 
Full measm-e is meted, and fearing the time 
May l)e morning before we are through with it all, 
We'll sum u]) the numbers clear down the roll-call. 

Seventeen, sixty and five ;ire the names tli;U apiiear. 
If you think my additions not perfectly clear. 
Just ask our Historian, he'll set it all right. 
And accent my liest bow- with a welcome "C.ood night." 
WooDBL'Kv, Conn. Sl's.vn B. Shove. 



WooDlirm'. COXXKCTRTT 



15 




THE FIRST CONCiRKGATIONAI, CHURCH. 



Jam .\u\ 4, 184O. — In such like scenes, 1 say, we have so often in 
one form and another met and associated tos^ether as minister and 
people, that it would be strange indeed if we could see and realize 
that the last hour had come in which we were any longer to inter- 
mingle in the various and interesting relations and yet not feel a 
tender and peculiar interest in the hour and in these thottghts and 
remembrances which it so naturally awakens. Can this hour be 
better passed away by us than by making use of it in attending to 
some such instructions as that which the text seems to have been in- 
tended to convey. The Apostle Paul appears to have been taking his 
leave when he penned the text of this church at Phillippi. This 
church, it is evident from the whole tenor of his epistle to them, hail 
greatly won his confidence and esteem by their simple and devoted 



1 6 



I'lIK Town and I'Koi'LK 



adherence to the Gospel of Christ. He addresses them as -His dearlv 
beloved and longed for," and pronounces them "His joy and his 
crown." He speaks of "having them in his heart" and of "his 
thanking God upon every remembrance of them, making request for 
tnein with joy in all his prayers," and throughout the whole of this 
touching epistle there is a sweet spirit of affectionate, joyful con- 
fidence on the part of the Apostle toward the beloved people he is 
addressing, which is in the same respects peculiar to his Epistle, 
and is found in no other. It seems not only that the Apostle felt 
himself bound to them by the ties of a strong attachment, but also 
that he had strong hopes of their continued prosperity in time to 
come, and was ever confident that the God of their salvation would 
not forsake them. Hence that beautiful and valedictory counsel 
which he delivered to them in our text. It deserves to be written in 
letters of gold and placed as it were uijon the front of this puli)it, 
made visible to every eye and suggesting itself to everv mind and 
heart as often as }'on enter this house. 

"( )nly let your conversation be as liecomes the gospel of Christ 
that whether I come and see you or else hv absent I mav hear of your 
affairs that ye stand fast in one sjDirit. with one mind, striving to- 
gether for the taith of the Gospel." — From the farewell Sermon. 

SA.Mri:i, R. AxDRivWs, 1). D.. 
Paslor first Coiii:;re!:^atioiial Church 

W'ooDHLRv, Coxx. from Oci. <V, iSiy. to July ,V, 1846. 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 



17 




lO TlIK TOWN AND I'ICOI'LK 

J.AXUARY 6, 1900. — A contribution having been requested froir. 
me. it has occurred to me to make l^rief note of four eventful period'^ 
in the Hfe of our town. A quiet country place like W'oodluu-y is 
typical of the life of a great nation. It has its beginnings of life and 
Its progression, its battles and its victories. In its narrower sphere, 
as in the larger, it is often the scene of much heroic action. It ex- 
hibits in embryo all the elements of the larger and more spectacular 
life. L'pon a narrower stage and l)efore a smaller audience are 
enacted all the comedies and tragedies of the great outlying world. 
And to the quiet villagers, these scenes have an interest as intense 
and \-ital as the grainier comedies and tragedies of the nation. 

In ever\- community, large or small, are to be found elements that 
make for righteousness and those that are corrupting and destructive, 
the i)rogressive and the conservative. Whatever is worthy of praise 
in our present life has lieen evolved out of these two opposing forces. 
The first e])och out of which came a better and truer life for Wood- 
bur\' may be called the religious. 

Aboiii the _\ear 1800, this commuuitx' was swept b\' the wave of 
Freiuli infidelit). Mr. l{Iijali Sherman was then in his early man- 
hooil. It was at that ei)ochal period when the organization of the 
North Church was l)eing considered. Associated with Mr. Sherman 
were a considerable number of men of about the same age, and all 
these having iml:)il)ed sceptical views were determined that the new 
church enter]>rise should lie organized as a church of Free Thinkers. 
.Xnd but for Mr. Sherman's conversion al)OUt that time the church 
would have been so instituted. It is not easy to trace the myriad 
ways in which tlie religious life itf our communit}' has been affected 
1)_\- that ])rovi(lential interfirence with tlie plans oi these men. The 
stam]) of orthodow and evangelical teaching has l)een ineft'aceably 
infused into the life of our town. .\n upward and ei:)ochal movement 
began at that era. 

Another movement which has liad a potent influence in the quicken- 
ing of our moral life was in the direction of reform. For a con- 
siderable period previous to the \ear 1880 the moral tone of our town 
had mar\'elousl\' degenerated. I'roiuinent men openly declared they 
would as soon sell intoxicants as groceries, saloons were numerous. 



\\()(iL)r.rm\ (.'(ixxkctrtt 19 

and the public conscience seemed dead. The conscience of the l)ettei" 
element was aroused by the prevalent and ^rowino- evil, and an aoi- 
tation began and continued until the gross and growing evil was 
forced out of sight. There have been many lai)ses since, but an im- 
pulse was given to the temperance reform which has been felt ever 
since and will no doubt be felt for generations to come. 

Another epoch in the modern life of \\'oodbur\- may be called the 
new impulse of town improvement. A person acquainted with 
Woodbury five years ago would scarcely recognize it to-day, with 
its aqueduct furnishing us sparkling and wholesome water, its fi're 
district, affording protection to property, its tidy streets, its obstruc- 
tive and disfiguring fences removed, its State road and its recon- 
structed and new dwellings. The tidal wave struck us but recently, 
but we are being borne on its crest to a new and larger life. 

Another epochal era has been the educational. Woodbury has for 
a long period been noted for her excellent schools, but the idea of 
consolidation as the modern method of securing the best results, and a 
graded school with its higher department, seemed to many a thing 
impossible. It is but natural for an inquisitive and acquisitive people 
to want to know. It took some of our people a long time to under- 
stand their needs educational, but as soon as they understood their 
urgencv, by swift steps they secured the graded school, and an equip- 
ment adequate to all our local needs. It is tmnecessary to say that 
the founding of our Central School has been one of the most import- 
ant epochs in the life of our town. It is to be expected that a larger 
and richer life would be the outcome of a well-grounded religious 
faith, and so upon this foundation have been built these moral, 
phvsical and educational reforms. 

In the last three movements that have been epochs in the life of 
our town. I thank God I have shared with others of my fellow towns- 
men the dangers of battle and the joys 01 conquest. God only knows 
what another century may have in store for dear old Woodbury, but 
she will have in all the future, as during the past thirty years of my 
happy life amid her charming scenery and beloved friends, my 
pravers and benediction. 

J. L. R. Wyckoff. 
Woodbury, Conn. Pastor XorfJi Coiigrcgafioual Church. 



20 



'I'liK 'I'owx AND i'p:()ri,i'; 




Til]-; CIlArKI, Ol' TlJlv XOKTIl COXCKIvCATlONAl. ClU'RCIl. 



WUOUl! L" RV , CON X liCTlC L T 21 



Jaxiarv io, 1866. — In these days in which we are hving wc are 
in dang-er of running- past an ancient hterature and history that are 
exceedingly captivating and instructive. It seems to me that we lose 
much in so doing. 1 do not know that the men who lived thousands 
of years ago were wiser in their day and generation than many who 
have lived since and wdio live now. but this we know, that no man 
during the past nearly three thousand years has been able to write 
anything to match the Iliad of Homer, no man has written a smooths- 
narrative or one more beautiful than Xenophon, no general made a 
more persuasive address to discontented soldiers than he or con- 
ducted a more perilous expedition, no purer, more self-denying, more 
faithful, just, and almost sacred man ever lived than Socrates, no 
teacher more profound, more lal)orious, patient as it regards moral 
subjects than he. The wise men of Greece — Solon, Lycurgus, 
Socrates, Plato, and the like of them, the poet orators and statesmen 
of that early age, both of Cxreece and Rome, these are the great lights 
in the historv of our race. It is intensely interesting to look back 
from where we now stand with the light of all the ages streaming 
down upon us and with the far greater light of revelation and of the 
church as the expounder of that revelation pouring their noon-tide 
splendor upon us. I say, in the midst of this great illumination, it is 
intensely interesting to look back and see what men th(^ught, what 
were their aims, what they did, what they knew, three thousand 
years ago. Thev in fact were the builders of foundations, organizers 
of in.stitutions luminous starting ]:ioints from which men journeyed 
onward in time. ( )n these foundations have been built up the vast 
tempk^ ot human history, a temple so vast that no man can see, even 
now adequately survey it, but which is far fr.nn being completed, tdl 
the topmost stone of which will only be laid when Time shall be no 
longer. — From a Lecture ou Socralcs. 

Joirx CiiiKCiiiLi.. 
Pastor of North Coiti^rcgational Church 
Woodlu;rv, Coxn. from A[^rit 22, 1S40. to October. i86y. 



22 Till-; Town and I'lvOFLK 

j.\.\r.\R\ 8. 1900. — The proposition of a Souvenir of Woodbury 
of the character outhnecl is not only novel, I will assume, hut it is 
also likely to prove a memorial of a value vastly exceedino- present 
anticipations. There are many of Woodbury's older ])e()i)le. the 
memory of whom 1 deeply cherish, and who will no doubt recall the 
members of my family, although a generation has been the interval 
since we removed to tlie Empire City of the Western Hemisphere. 
Many will recall the good wife that I plucked from Aliddlebury 
after my return from China in 1869; many will recall the "little boy 
Winfred," nc^w i^astor of the Eliot Congregational Church of Boston ; 
many will recall tlie "little girl Ella," now the wife of a Presbyterian 
minister. 

It was suggested that my contribution should be something of my 
experiences in my travels over and around the world, but not a 
shadow could be drawn of so large a subject in tne limit of space 
( so wisely ) allotted to me. The recollections of peoples and places 
are treasures of the minds, but the detailing of scenes and incidents 
are too often prosy and uninteresting. And I am also reminded of 
the fact that some of my own experiences might tax the credulity 
of the most easily imposed u]i()n ])eople. Therefore I will cheerfully 
limit my words. 

Let me ask the reader to come with me into the Arctic regions, 
where it was my privilege to be associated with Commander George 
\'V. DeLong, Lieutenant Charles W. Chipp and others who are re- 
corded in history as heroic Arctic explorers, and who exemplified 
the well-known characteristics of the navy officers as faithfully as 
Dewey did at Manilla, in every tour of duty to which they had been 
detailed. They helped to make the world's history, and I trust that 
my own modest service may have been such as to bring some credit 
to my country and to myself, and add a little lustre to the famous 
histor\' of Woodbury. 

I can recall many of the days and nights that our little Arctic 
party spent in the region of everlasting snows and perpetual ice ; 
clad in our heavy seal-skin or dog-skin clothing ; crawling into our 
reindeer-skin sleeping bags at night-time in the open on the snow, 
under a temporary tent or in an Esquimaux hut, for the needed rest ; 



WUODliURV, CONXI'X'TICL'T 23 

sitting- at the meal of fat pork and crackers, or, perhaps, a ])iece 
of seal or walrus hhibl)er, as was often the case, thinking and talking- 
of our homes and the dear ones in them, who were wondering where 
we were, if we were alive, and likely suffering greater in mind over 
our hardships than we were suffering physically. 

lUit I"ll not be so cruel as to draw harrowing pictures of the past, 
whatever thev might have been ; rather merely recall a fact of dis- 
covery that adds much to the history of Polar exploration and which 
has proven of material value to the navigating world as well as to 
the Esquimaux themselves. Soon after our return from Smith's 
Sound, up which a party under the command of DeLong had been 
to search for the missing Hall expedition (this was in August. 1873 ) 
we left Upernavik and went to Disco. Being short of fuel I started 
out with a half-dozen men on a minor exploration around the waigat 
separating Disco from the main land. \\'hen about ninety miles 
from the ship, and after I had made geological tests at several points, 
1 discovered evidences of coal. With torpedoes and electric batteries 
and drills I went to work and soon disclosed two veins of what later 
proved to be excellent bituminous coal. I planted the American flag 
there and called the mine "Eureka" ("I have found it"). Since 
then several exploring vessels and the Esquimaux have been supplied 
with coal from this mine and Naves. Peary and others have reported 
upon it. This single incident warrants me in concluding that Wood- 
burv has a just claim for a share in the valuable results of Arctic 
explorations. 

United States Navy. Lieutenant Henry E. Rhoades. 



24 



TirK TOWX .VXD PEOPLE 




'O'g. Sj^t^jrVi^rT^l.^. 



N'lKW 1 \ XdK'I'll W'ooDlUm', 



January ii. 1864. — The ahsorljiiii^- topic at this time is the interest 
we necessarily have in the late call of the President for volunteers. 
It will soon, however, l)e in a condition to iL^ive place to somethins^' 
else, for the town has raised by sul)Scri])tion nearly tifteen hundred 
dollars to encourage enlistments, and has already furnished nineteen 
of our (|uota of twenty-three. These, with the veterans who have 
already enlisted, if they are accredited to this town as expected, fill 
the quota. W'oodhnr} , from the tirst, has taken her place anion-;- 
the loyal towns, which have been a credit to the State, responding 
generously to the calls of the countrw More than one hundred and 
fifty men have been furnished 1)\- this place and most of them are 
our own citizens. It is hoped no further call for men to defend the 
country will l)e necessary, yet the voice is go on till the country is 
purified and the spirit of rebellion broken, till loyalt}' shall triumph 
and liberty reign universal. — Correspondence l]\tterhnry American. 

WoOt)IiURY, CoXX. ASAUEL W. MlTCIlEEE, Sr. 



WOODBURY, CONXECTICIT 25 

January 12, 1901. — Orenaug Park is situated on the east side of 
the main street of Woodbury, contains about eleven acres, and has 
for its southern Ixnnulary Orenaut;- Avenue, running- easterly from 
the Soldiers' Monument. It extends along the ridge, which falls away 
very abruptly on its western edge, exposing to view a mass of irreg- 
ular jagged rocks of a trap formation, which, as one stands on the 
projecting ledges, affords a beautiful view of the town and valley of 
the Pomperaug and the slopes leading up to Good Hill and Grassy 
Hill. 

The view is similar, only less grand, to that which one sees from 
Lookout Mountain, taking in at one glance the town of Chattanooga, 
the X'alley of the Tennessee, and Missionary Ridge. 

Mrs. Susan B. Shove, who bought this tract and presented it to the 
town in 1892 for a public park, was not slow to see the natural beauty 
of the situation, and the possibilities of improvement by the hand of 
man. so that it should be second to none in the State. This parcel of 
land has been handed down in the Minor family from father to son, 
and hence had never been deeded until purchased by Mrs. Shove. 

A driveway has been laid out by Mrs. Shove from the ornamental 
entrance at its southern extremity, along its entire length to its 
northern limit, passing "Point Belvidere" and "Singing Rock," points 
of unusual beauty. No doubt it will soon be extended to include 
"Bethel Rock" on the eastern limit of the Park. 

On its highest elevation, which is about 260 feet above Main Street, 
and about 520 feet above sea level, Mrs. Shove has caused to be 
erected a galvanized steel tower, 60 feet high, surmounted with a 
veering vane, susceptible to the slightest breeze. This was accom- 
plished by the assistance of her fellow-townsmen and former resi- 
dents of the town, who have still a warm ])lace in their hearts for old 
Woodbury. 

Since the above was written Mrs. Shove has passed on to the great 
unknown. She has left a monument behind, dedicated to other ages 
that shall be more valued as time continues. Through this Park 
youth and maid will, dreaming, stray and ponder the beautiful life of 
her who set apart this tract to the beautiful and true. 

WoonnuRY, Coxx. Floyd F. Hitchcock. 



26 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

January 13, 1901. — A beautiful church of fine architecture was 
recently completed and to-day dedicated by the First Cong-regational 
Society of Flint, Michigan. The edifice is elaborate in design, 
artistic in finish and complete in all the appointments. A few people, 
some nineteen in all, it is said, met at the home of William L. 
Smith on September 26, 1867. to take into consideration the or- 
ganization of a Congregational Church. Among those present were 
Mrs. William L. Smith (Miss Anna Olcott). Mrs. John E. Strong 
and Miss Margaret Olcott, former residents of Woodbury. 

Soon after this meeting, on ( )ctol)er ij , 1867, a church was or- 
ganized by Rev. F. P. Woodbury, the first pastor, and now Secre- 
tary of the American Missionary Association at New York. 

The membership was composed of people who were in the earlier 
part of life, vigorous, efficient and united in purpose. The church 
has enjoyed continued prosperity and looks forward to most ])romis- 
ing prospects in the future. 

The building was constructed at a cost of sixteen hundred dollars, 
and was dedicated free from debt. 

To this Congregational church and the first pastor, Dr. F. P. 
Woodbury, the honor is frequently given of being the first church 
and pastor in the United States to set apart permanently a Sunday 
for the children of the church, known as "Children's Day." 

January 15, 1877. — ^t was in the winter of 1877. We were just 
beginning to keep house in the dwelling known as the "Old Quaker 
Sherman Place, then standing in X^orth Woodbury, recently razed to 
the ground. Not having much to do and possessing an old printing 
press and a few fonts of old type, the idea occurred to us that it 
would be a good plan to print a little paper for Woodbury and thus 
pass away the time. What shall we name it ? Various names were 
suggested, and finally we hit upon "The W^oodbury Reporter." 
Many days and much care and anxiety were s])ent in its preparation, 
and finally, on the loth day of January, 1877, "The Woodbury Re- 
porter," a 4-page, 6x9 inch sheet was launched upon the great sea 
of journalism. It was a daring venture, and its reception was not 
such as to encourage a second attempt. "Knock it in the head or im- 
prove it," said the editor of a city contemporary. Life is sweet. To 



WOODBURY, COXXF.CTICUT 2/ 

"knock it in the head" was to kill it, so a second attempt was made 
and a second nnmher was issued in February. It was larg-er and 
better looking-. There were more smiles and fewer frowns. We 
felt encouraged some. Subscribers began to come forward, adver- 
tisers, too — a few. Encourag-ement No. 2. The ''Reporter" was 
established and it must continue. And down through the two de- 
cades and four years it has continued to make its reg-ular visits to 
the homes of the people of Woodbury. It has grown, and the old 
town has kept pace with its growth, as the years have come and 
g-one, until to-day, as the 19th century is being- laid away in the 
tomb and the 20th century is being ushered in, the "Reporter" of 
1877 and the Woodbury of 1877 bears but a faint resemblance to the 
grand old town and its well sustained local paper of to-day. Such, 
in brief, is the story of "The Woodbury Reporter" as told by its 
editor and founder. 

Woodbury. Coxx. Arthur Eugi^ne Knox. 



January 20, 1884. — 

Dost thou love Jesus? Answer soul of mine, 
As darkness wanes before the King of Day, 
Thus (loth thy fear, gloom, sorrow melt away? 
Do thus earth tie, earth hopes, earth joys decline, 
Till His blest name fills every thought of thine? 

How dost thou serve Him? Answer, O my heart, 
With faithful hands or with indifference cold? 
Art true to Him, or has thy birthright sold. 
Dost give Him all the praise or keep back part, 
Do all men know that thou His servant art? 

Dost follow Jesus? answer, O my feet, 
So swift to run in pathways all thine own. 
So easy turned from duties thou has known. 
Wandering in paths that lead to shadows dim. 
Say, can this be a faithful following Him? 

Art true to Jesus? Tell me, conscience mine. 
As points the needle to the unchanging pole. 
So art thou true and does the steady soul. 
By day, by night, walking in strength Divine, 
Ever prove faithful to the Friend of Thine? 



28 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

Bo mine lilt-st Savior Thine the power is. 
Heal my l:)ack-sliding, make me fully Thine. 
Reveal Thyself, npon my pathway shine. 
Till I exclaim with more than earthly liliss, 
'T know that He is mine and I am His." 
Woodbury, Conn. D.-wid S. Blii,i, 



January zy , 1894. — The J-ervico in the lecture room of the First 
Congregational Church last Sunday evening was very interesting 
and impressive, it heing the last meeting that is likely to he held there 
by that church. The members of the Young People's Christian 
Endeavor Society held their meeting at the usual time, followed by 
the regular prayer and conference service of the church. After 
singing by the congregation, reading of the Scriptures and prayer 
by the pastor, Rev. j. A. Freeman, the lueeting was o]>en for remarks, 
which were made Ijy Dea. J. H. Lins'ey, F. F. Hitchcock and the 
pastor. Dea. Linsley gave a very interesting -and extended history 
of the room, which is in part as follows: "'Nearly fifty years have 
passed away since this Hall was built, and this room has ever since 
been occupied by this church. I was one of those present at the time 
it was first used for meeting. ( The writer would here state that 
Dea. Linsley was one of the last to leave it at the conclusion of the 
meeting on Sunday night with feelings, no doubt, akin to those of 
one who from the deck of some out-botind ship sees uome and native 
land fade in the distance). Dea. Linsley gave us many of his recol- 
lections as well as the naines of many who were prominent in church 
and society matters, during the last half century. Among them 
were Dea. EH Summers. Horace Hurd, George Hitchcock, George 
Drakeley, Dea. Truman Minor, X. B. Smith, Isaac Strong, David S. 
Lull and luany other worthies who kept the faith and inherited the 
promises. Others were mentioned who were not metiibers of the 
church, but were nevertheless very helirfttl. Many of whom he spoke 
are included among the 2,700 whom he has buried, or under whose 
direction the burial was done during the past forty-five years. F. F. 
Hitchcock made some very interesting statements of things which 
had come under his observation since 1862. The pastor also recounted 



WOODCIRV, COXXKCTICIT 29 

some of his recollections durinj;- his pastorate, covering- a period of 
eig"ht years. 

The writer, whose first visit to this town was about 1856, remeni- 
liers nothing very attractive in the appearance of the room at that 
time. The bare floor, the seats then in use, the ])lain l)ox stove, 
the walls with Init the picture of the Morning" Star and a missionary 
map upon them, would hardly compare with the present improved 
appearance of the room. Some years ag^o a committee, consisting of 
JNliss J. E. Bull, Airs. H. 1). Curtiss, h. J. Curtiss and the writer, 
were appointed to refurnish tlie room, and under their direction the 
walls were rej^aired and kalsomined, paint applied where needed, 
matting spread over the floor, and chairs substituted for the anticjue 
benches except the few that were left against the wall. The others 
were placed in Pomperaug Chapel, which had been built through the 
efiforts of D. S. Bull and others. The room was further improved 
with pictures, which have made it a very pleasant place. The writer 
flatters himself that he sees a future for this room now being vacated. 
Under the offer of State aid he sees an opportunity for a public 
library where a grateful public shall be furnished with books free of 
cost, when all can avail themselves of its benefits and when our Maga- 
zine Club shall, at the close of each year, donate their stock of papers 
and magazines for ])ublic use. In closing we quote from a ])oem by 
Will Carleton, entitled, *'Out of the Old House. Nanc}," which may 
be suggestive : 

"Out of tlie old house, Naucy, moved up into the newy 

All the flurry and worry is just as good as through. 

Only a bounden duty remains for you and I. 

And that's to stand on the door-step and bid the old house good-bye. 

Out of the old house, Nancy, moved up into the new. 

All the hurry and worry is just as good as through. 

But I tell you a thing right here that I ain't ashamed to say. 

There's precious things in this old house we never can take away. 

Jhare you well old house, "^'ou're naught that can feel or see. 

But you seem like a human being, a dear old friend to me. 

And we will never have a better home, if my opinion stands. 

Until we commence a-keeping house in the house not made with hands. 

WooDBiKv. Conn. John \V. Nichols. 



30 



THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 




WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 3 1 

Ianuarv 28, 1894. — In the days when Dr. Lyman Beecher lived 
in Litchfield, ministers" meetings were of frequent occurrence. One of 
these gatherings was held in Southbury and was attended by Dr. 
Beecher, who was accompanied by his wife and a son, some six 
months old. They were entertained at a residence near the meet- 
ing house. The daughter of the house, a young lady of sixteen, 
ofifered to take care of the infant while they were in attendance at 
the meetings. She did so, receiving many thanks from Mrs. 
Beecher for her kindness. The child was the renowned preacher, 
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. The young lady resided in Brooklyn 
after her marriage and attended Plymouth Church. The incident 
being related to the pastor, he thanked her most cordially and in- 
quired if he was a good child. ( )lder residents remember to have 
seen Dr. Lvman Beecher walking from Litchfield to these ministers' 
meetings, a distance of seventeen miles. He appeared to be com- 
pletely absorbed in thought, often changing his path in the road 
to either side. During these meetings Dr. Beecher became so 
deeply impressed with the need of work in the cause of temperance 
that the result was a great temperance reform in New England 
and throughout the country.— From Woodbury Reporter. 

Reminiscences by Fannie Brown Mitchell. 

SOLTHDURY, CoNN. 

January 31, 1894.— The new chapel of the First Congregational 
Church recentlv finished was dedicated on Thursday afternoon of 
this date. The weather was favorable and the audience represented 
all the churches of this town. The order of exercises was as 
follows : 

Organ Prelude — H. W. Beecher. 

Singing — "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow." 

Prayer — By pastor, Rev. J. A. Freeman. 

Chant— By choir, -'Glory be to the Father." Cliorister N. M. Strong. 

Responsive Reading — Second Selection. 

Singing — Hymn 334. 

Report of the building committee by the chairman. Rev. J. A. 
Freeman. This report was in detail and gave an account of the 



32 THE TOWN AXl) PF.OFLE 

items of expenses and to whom paid ; also the names of those 
who have contributed, closing his remarks with the pleasing state- 
ment that Mrs. Charlotte Lewis had assumed the balance of the 
indebtedness, which, in addition to her former generous gift made 
it possiljle to dedicate this beautiful chapel free from debt. 

Singing- -Hymn 8i. 

Remarks by Dea. j. H. Linsley. Sul)ject : "The places where the 
First Congregational Church have held their meetings for prayer 
and conference." In addition to the statements made by him in 
regard to this subject he gave his hearers much valuable information 
of the many incidents which had come under his notice during the 
many years since the first meeting was held in a room in the build- 
ing now owned by Mrs. Grandison Beardsley, and at that time 
stood with its side in the highway. This was used until about 1835. 
when a room was hired over what is now G. N. Proctor's store. At 
a revival Rev. Mr. Isham from Roxbury was present and assisted in 
the work. The room being too small the services were held for a 
time in the church. Henry and Charles Curtiss and others joined the 
church at this time. Thomas Mallory taught a singing school during 
the Winter of 1839 and 1840, when he, with D. S. Bull and many 
others, learned to sing Fa. Sol, La. In April, 1840, he was seated with 
others in the church choir, is the only one left, and is still there. Week 
day prayer meetings were held Thursday afternoons, and choir re- 
hearsals were held Sunday nights as Saturday nights were "kept" 
instead. The music during the recess was of a lively sort, marches, 
etc., and a roomful to hear. Their orchestra was composed of well 
known people, Dea. Linsley, D. S. Bull, C. W. Kirtland, N. L. 
Strong, John B. and Samuel Minor and others. A pack peddler, 
who made regular trips to the town, assisted and was a fine 
musician. Flutes, violins and bass viols were the instruments 
used. Dea. Summers usually led the singing, using a tuning fork 
and sang such tunes as St. Thomas, Windham and Doomsday. 
About this date a Sunday School was held a part of the year in the 
church gallery. N. E. Smith was the first su]:)erintendent he re- 
membered. Removed from the Betts room to the old room about 
(October, 1842. This room was fitted up by Mr. Linsley's father 



WOODIiURY, CONNECTICLT 33 

and rented to the society. This room was also used for the Dehat- 
ing Society. George P. Sherman, George Drakeley, A. W. Mitchell 
and others took part. The temperance cause was prominent about 
this time and met with considerable opposition, and that, too, by 
prominent people. Removed to the room over the Town Hall about 
1846. There have been nine ministers besides supply s he remem- 
bers. Five deacons have been appointed since that time. Tallow 
candles were used in those days. Mr. Linsley's father had a 
charge on his book to the society, "One candle chest, $1.50." After- 
wards oil lamps were used. In closing Dea. Linsley said: "Mark 
the contrast of the old rooms with this beautiful chapel with every 
convenience for comfort, in which we meet this afternoon to dedi- 
cate to the service of Almighty God, who can say but that we have 
great reason to be thankful to those who have been instrumental 
in liringing about this great change. That our Heavenfy Father 
may continue to smile and bless the old First Church through all 
the years to come is the prayer of your humble servant." 

Anthem — "Open Wide Ye Gates." 

Remarks by Rev. J. L. R. WyckoiT. Subject: "The Rearing of 
the Material on the Spiritual Life." Church entertainments should 
be more than merely to make money and should be of such a nature 
as to benefit the young. He urged the necessity for better oppor- 
tunities for the young and that churches should provide rooms for 
a library whose walls should be adorned with works of art ; also one 
where lectures could be given on many imj^ortant subjects by local 
talent, accommodations for a gymnasium, in fact to give the young 
people attractive surroundings. Just then the writer thought what 
a good place the committee room in the Town Hall would be for 
a gymnasium and the old lecture room for a free public library. 

The further exercises were held in the chapel. 

Singing — Hymn 209. 

Reading Scripture — By Pastor. 

Dedicatory Prayer — By Pastor. [A very impressive one.] 

Singing — Hymn 512. 

Benediction — By Pastor. 



34 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

The work has been done in the best manner b}' the following- per- 
sons : R. W. Hill, architect; Wallace G. Ward, builder; George 
Roswell, cellar and stone work ; Frederick Ward and William 
Forbes, putting on the fine walls ; Henry Traver, painting ; F. F. 
Hitchcock, plumbing and heating ; the expenses of putting in water 
by H. D. Curtiss, and the carpets by the ladies of the church. 

Woodbury, Conn. John W. Nichols. 



FEBRUARY. 



February i, 1900. — It has always l)een to me an interesting cir- 
cumstance that the family to which 1 Ijelong should have been iden- 
tified with the town of Woodbury. I have not inquired curiously 
into the genealogy of the Judsons, but I hope no descendant of their 
stock has ever proved other than a blessing to your community. 

I often wonder that 1 should be engaged in the solution of per- 
plexing problems here in the lower part of this city, when it would 
De very much more to my taste to enjoy the quiet and refinement 
which characterizes Woodbury. I would like to convey to them an 
expression of interest and esteem. 

Mv brothers and sisters are widely scattered. Only one is living 
in New York, and he bears my father's name, Adoniram. My 
niece. Miss Emily Hanna, is a missionary in Burmah. where her 
grandfather laid down his life. 

Ni:\v York. Edward Judsox, 

Pastor Jndson Memorial Church. 

Fki:riarv 2, iQoo. — I am asked for a contribution to the Wood- 
bury Souvenir ; but what can I write that will be of interest enough 
to any possible reader to justify me in taking up any portion of his 
time, or in occupying any portion of space in the contemplated 
souvenir ? 

It is true that I lived in the good old town for several years in my 
boyhood, having made my entrance therein on my sixteenth birth- 
day with a yoke of oxen, cart and load of household goods. My 
father, Gideon Hollister, had previously purchased the place known 
as the Hotchkiss Homestead, situated about a third of a mile north- 
west of Hotchkissville on the road that leads over towards Rox- 
bury. In this old red house the family resided for two or three 



36 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

years, and then moved down nearer to, and just north of, the village 
of Hotchkissville, to a pleasant and commodious house surrounded 
by a large tract of meadow land. The "Ville. as it was commonly 
called, was quite a thriving community with its manufactories, store, 
shops and attractive dwellings. One of the principal manufacturing 
interests was that of the firm of J. & R. H. Hotchkiss. I always re- 
garded Dea. Reuben H. Hotchkiss as easily the leading man in the 
place. He was of excellent personal address and a staunch sup- 
porter of the North Congregational Church, and an ardent advocate 
of whatever was pure and right. He had a keen and just apprecia- 
tion of things, and could express himself in language suitable to the 
subject and occasion. I well remember being present at the South 
Congregational Church on the occasion of the installation of a pas- 
tor (the Rev. Mr. Curtis. I think). Mr. Hotchkiss was there and 
many others from the other churches as visitors. The Rev. Horace 
Bushnell, D. D., of Hartford, preached a most powerful and im- 
pressive sermon which made a deep impression on the audience and 
especially upon Dea. Hotchkiss. He expressed himself in relation 
to the sentences that fell from the preacher's lips, on this wise : He 
said, it seemed to him "as if a great and powerful giant was on top 
of a lofty mountain prying out great rocks and bowlders and tumb- 
ling them down on the heads of the audience below." When you 
call to mind the lofty elevation of the pulpit in those days, the 
simile of the giant on a lofty mountain tumbling down rocks upon 
the people below is most apt and appropriate. My father always 
esteemed Mr. Hotchkiss very highly, and in this estimate I fully con- 
curred. 

The Rev. John Churchill was the pastor of the Xorth Congrega- 
tional Church when our family moved to Woodbury, and with that 
church my father at once became identified. Mr. Churchill was then 
an able and vigorous expounder of the Scriptures. I remember of 
his holding a series of open air services on Sunday afternoons in 
the Summer time in the maple grove near the residence of Mr. 
Nathan Warner in Hazel Plain, so-called by some people, while 
others persisted in calling the locality by a name far less euphonious 
and agreeable, but much more startling and suggestive to the ear 



WOODBUKV, COXXECTICUT 37 

and to the senses. 1 am sure, however, that the t)Ccasion, if it ever 
existed, for the latter name has long' since passed away. These open 
air meetings continued only for a few weeks, though they were con- 
sidered productive of good results. Mr. Churchill remained the 
pastor of the North Church until long after 1 left the place, hut of 
his later life and ministrations I am unable to speak from any per- 
sonal knowledge. 

In those far away days the tlistinguished preacher and scholar, 
the Rev. Samuel Andrews, was the pastor of the South Congrega- 
tional Church. He was an able man, of great learning and an excel- 
lent preacher ; quiet, btit impressive in manner and delivery, and, 
after giving utterance to one of his polished and powerful sentences, 
he would stop and scan the audience individually as if to see if any 
one had been hit, and to ascertain how effectual the shot had proved. 
Every sentence he thus shot forth into the audience w^as a gem in 
thought, construction and expression, and was pregnant with the 
deepest and richest Gospel truth. Later he moved with his inter- 
esting and talented family to New Haven, where he was elected sec- 
retary of the corporation of Yale College, which office he held, I 
think, until at or near the time of his decease. 

The principal lawyers then in Woodbury were Hon. Charles B. 
Phelps and Hon. William Cothren. Each was distinguished in his 
own way — Mr. Phelps as a lawyer and jurist, and Mr. Cothren as 
a lawyer and historian. To the latter, Woodbury owes nuich for 
most patient and careful labor and research to rescue from oblivion 
and bring to the light many of the incidents and treasures of the 
past and make them permanent, safe and secure, in his valuable his- 
tory of ancient Woodbury. He was one of the most careful, pain- 
staking men I ever knew. I studied with him in preparing for Yale 
College, and I can say, advisedly, that he was a good and faithful 
teacher. Mr. Phelps was a very al)le man, exceedingly interesting 
in conversation, and was socially much esteemed. I never heard, 
however, of his services being in demand for a writing master or 
an amanuensis. He had a knack of writing so that the manuscript 
had the air and appearance of gentility, while no one, not even him- 
self, could read it after it became cold, as the saying is. It is said 



38 THE TOWN AND PliOPLK 

upon g-oocl authority that on a certam occasion he wrote to the Clerk 
of the Superior Court at Litchfield for information about a case 
ne had in Court. The clerk could not well make out his hieroglyphics, 
hut guessed about what lie would like to know, and, being a lover of 
a joke, he wrote a very brief reply on the bottom of Mr. Phelps's 
letter on the back, down in the corner, refolded it, and ]nU it in an 
envelope and addressed and mailed it to Mr. Phelps. \\ hen Mr. 
Phelps received and opened the envelope, he could not at first make 
anything out of it, and vigorously denounced the man who sent him 
such a miserable scrawl. A man present in the office said to him, 
"'Squire, there is some writing- at the bottom, on the back of the 
letter, which may explain the matter." Upon turning over the let- 
ter he read in the beautiful, clear handwriting of the Clerk, the reply 
to his letter. A good-natured burst of laughter followed the dis- 
covery of the joke that had been played upon him, and no one en- 
joxed it better than himself. He was for a time a Judge of the 
County Court of Litchfield County, just prior to the change of the 
judiciary which abolished the County Courts and established the 
Courts of Common Pleas. 

It was customary then, and perhaps the custom is still retained, 
of announcing the death of a resident of Woodbury by the peculiar 
ringing of the bell of the church to which the family of the de- 
ceased belonged. The ringing was shortly followed by tolling ; 
each stroke of the bell representing a year of the life of the de- 
ceased until the sum was fully tolled. I recollect on a certain oc- 
casion when I was walking from the Center over to the West Side the 
sound of the bell struck heavily and sadly on my ear. I had heard 
of no sickness and had no idea whose death knell was then being 
sounded, but I stoi)ped and listened until the l)ell strokes added year 
after year to the sum till the full term of the three score and ten had 
been counted, and T liecame intensely interested, wondering if still 
another stroke of the bell would proclaim another year of blessings 
and mercies and of God's long, patient forbearances, but the bell 
spoke no more, and I was seized by a desire to know the name of 
the deceased, and what use he had made of these many years that 
the iron tongue of the bell had charged up against him. The efifect 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 39 

was most solemn and impressive. Surely the words of the poet 
would not apply to W'oodlniry, hut should read attirmatively, for 

"The sound of the Church going hell 
These valleys and rocks oft have heard, 

Oft sighed at the sound of a knell, 

And smiled when a Sabbath appeared." 

I confess to a liking for many of the old customs that used to pre- 
vail in the old New England towns. 

Hiere is an incident connected with my boyhood life, on the place 
to which we first moved in Woodbury, that may possibly be of inter- 
est to some one. When Henry Clay, of Ashland, Kentucky, ran for 
President of the United States in the campaign of 1844, though I 
was then but a boy and not entitled to vote, I was nevertheless a 
most ardent advocate of Mr. Clay, and when at last, after waiting 
several wrecks for the election returns, according to the slow and 
tedious process then in vogue for collecting such returns, it became 
known that Mr. Cla>- had been defeated, I shed some boyish but none 
the less bitter tears over the result, and then shouldered a spade 
and with other necessary implements, started ofif for the woods a 
quarter of a mile away, and having selected a beautiful tall, young 
ash tree among a clump of its brothers and sisters, I succeeded in 
digging it up, and, placing it upon my shoulder, managed to convey 
it to the house. My father, who was also an enthusiastic advocate 
of Mr. Clay, came out of the house and exclaimed : "What on earth 
have you got there, David?" I told him I had an ash tree. He re- 
plied. "Don't you know Clay is whipped?" "Yes," said I, "but I 
am going to set out this tree in honor of the State of Connecticut 
who cast her electoral vote for the sage of Ashland," and this I pro- 
ceeded to do on that November day in 1844. and there it stands to 
this day at the southeast corner of the gateway leading from the road 
to the barn, on the north side of the house. Tt is a beautiful, sym- 
metrical tree, or was when I saw it last, and will testify, so far as it 
can, to the truth of my story. I have a peculiar attachment foi , and 
interest in, that tree, and I have indulged the fancy that my feehng 
was reciprocated and that the tree would be willing and glad to 



40 Till-; TOWX AND PEOPLE 

testify in my behalf in i^ratitude for ni}' aet in transplanting it from 
its cramped and untriendly snrroundings among so many others to 
a i)lace where it could have plenty of air and sunshine, and room to 
grow in, and for giving it a mission and a historw 

There were occasional justice trials in the town which sometimes 
occasioned a great deal of merriment among the usual crowd of 
spectators. I recollect an incident in the trial of a lawsuit in the 
Hall, or ballroom of the Marshall House at the lower end of the 
town street. Mr. Cothren was employed on one side and mv brother, 
Gideon H. Hollister, of Litchfield, on the other. It was considered 
by my brother to be essential to impeach one of Mr. Cothren "s wit- 
nesses, and he called upon some of those present in the Court-room 
as witnesses for that purpose, .\mong others called, there was an 
old gentleman by the name of Moody (his first name I do not recall ). 
Mr. Moody was probably over eighty years of age and quite infirm, 
and when called upon, stood up, leaning on his stafi^, his hands 
quivering and unsteady. He was asked: "Mr Moody, do you know 

Mr. A ?" "Yes." "How long have you known him?" "Since 

he was a boy, fifty years ago." "What is his reputation for truth 
and veracity?" With a trembling and sepulchral voice he replied, 
"We read in Holy Writ that "All men are liars.' I never yet heard 

that Mr. A was an exception to the rule." The answer given 

in a very trembling voice, coming from the lips of a man bowed 
with years and with a trembling form, looking as if he had stepped 
out of his grave, ])roduced a startling efi:'ect at first, but was soon 
followed by a burst of laughter to the great chagrin and discom- 
fiture of Mr. A , the impeached witness. 

Jn the Winter evenings a Literary and Debating Society was or- 
ganized and well sustained and was quite a factor in stimulating the 
participants, and even others, to cultivate their minds and to fit 
themselves for a higher plane of living and greater usefulness in 
the communit}-. The meetings of this society were held in a hall 
which was then in use for ptiblic gatherings and was situated on the 
west side of the main street below the South Church. There were 
a goodly number of jieople who were always earnest and elticient 
in their efiorts in behalf of the societw and among them I mav be 



\\■()()1)11L•R^', CONXKCTld'T 41 

pardoned in mentionino- my l)rother-in-law. George Drakeley, who 
took a deep interest in its snccess and was always ready to serve in 
its welfare. It was in this society that I made my maiden etTort to 
overcome the natural hashfulness that was then the torment of my 
life. 

Unfotunately there were then in the Township several places 
where intoxicating- liquors were sold, and some where they were 
manufactured. These places were a curse to the town and most 
destructive to the character and morals of those who patronized 
them. Thev were festering centers of vice and lawlessness. At 
one time in particular the moral sense of the whole community was 
deeply aroused, and an able and eloquent temperance lecturer was 
secured from abroad to deliver a series of such lectures. The 
lectures were delivered in the North Congregational Church, which 
was freelv and gladly opened for that purpose. The lecturer was 
a guest at mv father's house while the meetings were being held, as 
mv father was an earnest supporter of the good cause. These 
lectures drew large audiences, and were instructive and valuable 
m everv point of view. Dea. Elijah Sherman, w^ho lived a little 
south of the North Church on the west side of the road, was a very 
able man, and an earnest supporter of the cause. He was a man of 
great individuality and force of character, a man who would die, if 
need be, for a principle, but never yield a hair's breadth to the en- 
croachments of anything against his sense of right, or fail to op- 
pose it l\v all legitimate means. He had clear and strong con- 
victions, and the courage to maintain them. His character was not 
such as to make him a special favorite with the liquor interest, and 
with the usual disregard of right and decency that characterized the 
minions of that interest, on a dark night they bored holes in the 
beautiful maple trees that ornamented the front of Mr. vSherman's 
dwelling, and filling these holes with powder, set a match to it. in- 
tending and expecting to destroy the trees, but their diabolical plan 
so far miscarried that the injury was comparatively small. Dyna- 
mite would have accomplished their purpose more effectually, but 
that was then not to be procured. Not having causctl sullicient mis- 
chief to satisfy their fiendish desires, upon a subsequent dark night 



42 the; town and people 

they broke into his carriage house, stole away his handsome carriage 
and harnesses and dragged them about a third of a mile north down 
by the Alder Swamp River, and there destroyed all the property by 
tire. This sort of lawlessness was the natural and legitimate fruit 
of the liquor business, and the only argument it deigned to use, but 
strange as it may seem, and strong as the argument was, it failed to 
convert Mr. Sherman over to the liquor interest. 

The inhabitants of Woodbury were then, as I believe they are now, 
a church going and church sustaining people. The two Congrega- 
tional and the Episcopal and Methodist churches were all well at- 
tended by devout congregations, and the church buildings within 
and without were kept in a good state of preservation and were neat 
and attractive in appearance as befitted the sacred uses to which 
they had been dedicated. It was a most interesting sight, on a 
Sabbath morning, to see the worshipers coming from the south, the 
north, the east and west in long lines of conveyances, from the many 
villages and hamlets scattered throughout the large township, each 
one adding is quota to the procession, and all pressing forward to 
their respective places of worship. It was not considered respectable 
or decent, for any one who was able to go. to stay away from the 
House of God. It surely would ill become the descendants of an 
ancestry, who worshiped God at Bethel Rock amid times and 
scenes of hardship and danger from the tomahawk and rifle of the 
prowling savage, to prove false to the God of their fathers who 
had so kindly and signally bestowed upon them His protection and 
Dlessing. 

Thus have I jotted down in a very imperfect and disconnected 
manner, some of my recollections of the persons, scenes and inci- 
dents pertaining to the time of my residence in Woodbury 50 years 
ago. 

Should anything I have written prove of interest to any reader 
mv desire and purpose will have been accomplished. 

No sketch of the Woodbury of those days would be of much in- 
terest, or should l)e tolerated, that did not speak with enthusiasm 
of the beauty and loveliness of the many and attractive maidens 
who then made life worth living, and played the mischief with the 



WOODr.UKV, CONNECTICUT 43 

heart-strings of the boys. Of such there were a goodly number. 
Among- whom were the blisses Sherman, Crafts, Marvin, Cog-swell. 
Hotchkiss and Walker, uptown, and the Misses Andrews, Phelps 
and many others down-town with, whom I had but a slig-ht ac- 
quaintance. 

As I write these names, memory brings their forms and faces be- 
fore me in all the freshness and bloom of the olden time, and I am 
almost led to fancy that I am a bo}- again. Init, alas! my memory's 
photograph will not stay and the entrancing vision fades away even 
while 1 gaze in admiration upon it. 

I hope and trust that the intervening years between flicii and 
nozv have dealt kindly and mercifully with the originals of my 
memorv's picture. Some I know have passed to the realms of 
light and jov where no dark shadow ever comes. That God may 
deal tenderly with and bless the survivors is my earnest wish and 
prayer. 

Dear Old \\'oodl)ury— How often have I climbed thy noble, his- 
toric rocks that so faithfully guard thine eastern borders, and from 
that lofty and solid outlook gazed with admiration and delight upon 
the charming landscape stretching far away to the north, the west, 
the south and southeast, interspersed with hills and valleys, streams 
and woods, with the streets below lined with pleasant and attrac- 
tive dwellings, stores and shops, with here and there a church spire 
ever pointing upward towards the abode of the Author of all this 
beauty and loveliness. My heart has overflowed wnth joy and grati- 
tude in contemplating the wondrous scene. In th}- friendly bosom 
rest the mortal remains of multitudes of thy sons and daughters who 
have lived, enjoyed thy beauties, and passed on to scenes of greater 
delight in the Father's house of many mansions. Among these, 
many of our own loved ones are numbered, and the soil that covers 
their remains is sacred in our sight and dear to our hearts. 

God grant that in the years to come thy sons may be noble, manly 
and loyal, and thy daughters virtuous, lovely and true, and may 
peace and prosperity fillthe hearts and dwellings of all who may 
be privileged to reside within thy borders. 

Bridgeport, Conn. D. F. Hoij.tster. 



44 



TJIK TOWX AND PKOPLK 




WOODIUKV, COXXKCTICUT 45 

lM;i'.ia\uv 3, 1901. — The new I'robate l)iiil(lini; in Woodlnn-y, 
which was erected last Fall and is now in use, is situated in the south 
part of the town on the west side of the hi£;hwa\ and just north of 
the Episcopal Church. The main buildin.^- is of wood, 17 by 19 feet, 
with a brick vault in the rear. () by 12 feet inside, and of the thick- 
ness of four Ijricks and an air si)ace. It was desi,a:ned by Wilfred 
E. Grig-g-s of Water! )ury and built liy C. W. and T. F. Atwood of 
Watertown. 

As the Probate District of Woodbury, to which the building l)e- 
longs, is one of the oldest and most important in the State, some 
word with regard to its records would not be out of place. The 
first distinctly Probate Courts of the State were established in 17 16, 
and were Hartford, Xew Haven. Xew London, and Fairfield. The 
first ones established after this were in 17 16, when Windham, (nul- 
ford and Woodbury were established. The first court held in this 
district of Woodbury was held Feljruary 3. 1719. At the time of 
its establishment, its jurisdiction included all of Litchfield County 
and parts of Xew Haven and Fairfield Counties and extended in- 
defintelv westward, so much so that an estate was in 1737 trans- 
ferred to Xew York after its a(huinistration had been by mistake 
started in Woodbury district. The first judge of the district was 
Hon. John Sherman in the early history of the town a distinguished 
man in the State, being Associate County Court Judge for 44 years 
and Speaker of the General Assembly for two years. His succes- 
sors have been Col. Joseph Minor, Daniel Sherman, Xathan Pres- 
ton, Hon. X. B. Benedict, John Strong, Jr.. Charles B. Phelps, Hon. 
X. B. Smith, Leman B. Sprague, Thomas Bull, Lewis Judd, Floyd 
F. Hitchcock and James Huntington the present judge. The first 
Clerk of Probate was the Rev. Anthony Stoddard, who held the 
office 40 years. 

( )f interest to the antiquarian are the introductions in the old wills 
on file. The person describes himself as usual, then says that he is 
sick, "but of sound mind and memory, thanks be given to God 
therefor, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die," 
makes his will. Before saying anything about his i)roperty. he gives 
his "soul into the hands of God who gave it and my body 1 recom- 



46 THE TOWN AXL) PKOPLE 

mend to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian burial, nothing- 
doubting- but that at the g-eneral resurrection 1 shah receive the 
same again by the mighty power of God." It is of interest that the 
will of the celebrated divine, the Rev. Dr. Bellamy of Bethlehem, 
who died in 1790, does not have this preliminary. 

There are also on file in this court the records of several estates 
confiscated at the time of the Revolution. One reads as follows : 
"At a court of probate held at Woodbury, February 5, 1785, whereas, 
by a judgment of the adjourned county court held at Litchfield on 
the third Tuesday of December, 1783, all the goods and estate of 
John Doe, late of New Alilford, who hath gone over to and joined 
the enemy, is forfeited, and according to law administration is to be 
granted on such estate, and accordinglv letters of administration are 
this day granted, sufficient bond being given." 

( )f legal interest are the large number of nuncupative wills on 
file. An affidavit is made and presented in court by two persons 
that they heard the deceased, while on his death bed, declare orally 
that his will was so and so. This affidavit is accepted as the will 
of the deceased person the same as if he had written it. The early 
appointments of guardians seems to have been very informal and 
the record made of them is put in anywhere, in the center of the 
record of an estate, if necessary room is there found. The inven- 
tories show the great value of cloth at that time, as every garment 
is put in separate, the valuation being in English money. Xegro 
slaves constitute a part of manv inventories. Nothing was recorded 
then as carefully as it must be now excepting wills, inventories and 
distributions. The records and files of the district from the first 
are, however, com])lete none ever having l)een lost. Old Water- 
l)ury and .\'ew .Milford files are kejxt separate from the rest. 

From this district the \\'aterbury district was set oft' in 1779, the 

Litchfield in 1742. the Xew Milford in 1787, the Washington in 

1832, and Roxbury in 1842, so that the district comprises now only 

the towns of Woodbury, Bethlehem and Southl)ury. — Published in 

JVatcrbnry American. 

\\'{)i)\w.v\<\. Coxx. Tames Huxtixgtox. 



WOODIUKN', CONXKCTlCrT 47 

Feuklarv 4, Kjoi. — In the broad doinain of past recollections, 
none entwine themselves more endearingly around the heart than the 
memory of childhood days, school companions and the familiar 
haunts of childhood romping-s and boyhood struggles, especially to 
those who, in after years, have removed to other scenes and climes. 
Even the ver\- thorns which pricked the flesh and stones which 
"stubbed"" the toe are remembered with a degree of veneration, and 
are cherished among the other priceless heirlooms in the castle of 
reflective thought. 

These pleasant memories are not the i)roduct or growth of a day, 
but gradually instill themselves into the mind and with each fleeting 
year, grow, and impress themselves nutre and more indellil^ly, untd 
they become almost a shrine of worship. 

The place, climate and surroundings in which one has lived, grown 
and was nurtured from childhood to womanhood or manhood, has 
an especial charm above all others, and a sort of parental claim upon 
our patriotic feelings, regardless of subsequent environments. lUit 
to increase or diminish that degree of sentiment, the place itself, is, 
of course, an important factor, and although the town of Woodbury 
stands in that relative position to me, 1 believe I can say without 
bias, that no town or place can lay greater claim for the perfection 
of those endearing sentiments than Woodbury, basking, as it does, 
in nature's smiles and reveling in nature's products. While some- 
what removed from the more busy hum of industry and the shrill 
screech of the locomotive, it has its broad and fertile fields, its level 
and well-kept drives and highways, its magnificent elms and maples, 
with their ever inviting shade, its dear old New England district 
schools, from which so many of the stalwart men of the nation have 
graduated, its invigorating and healthy climate, and with all. the 
peace and happiness of industrious law-abiding citizens. These are 
some of the many features which make the town attractive, not only 
to those upon whom it has an especial claim, but to all who come 
within its l)orders. 

The early history of the town bespeaks, not only its present Init 
its ancient prestige, and it is to-day the custodian of the earl\- land 
and probate records of nearly all the surrounding towns, including 
the city of \\'aterburv. 



4<^ TIIK TOWN AM) I'Koi'I.K 

While space in this article will not |)erniit of extended illustrations, 
I would, however, call attention to a section of the town in the 
northwestern ];)art, known, frc^m its early histor\-, hy the misnomer 
ot "Hell Hollow," for. if not a niisnomer, then hades is more of a 
paradise than our religious and spiritual intuition has pictured. In 
wandering- through the Clark Woods, so called, in this portion of 
the town, in the early Spring, the traveler must necessarily he at- 
tracted by the abundance of that gem of all Xew England's native 
flowers, the trailing- arbtittis. making fragrant the air with its per- 
fumed flowers, even liefore the winters snow has fully disappeared ; 
and if the traveler will l)Ut wait the developments of the Summer 
sun. in the very same locality he can view, in gorgeous abundance, a 
flower, which in the absence of postive designation, and with due 
deference to the g'olden rod, I will term the national flower, the 
laurel, decking, as it were, the place with a wreath of merit. 

(^loing- a little farther north will be fotmd the clear sparkling 
water of Cross i>rook. as it comes tumbling down from the hillside 
laughing- exultantly in its freedoni. and then empties itself into the 
more quiet waters of the Sprain, and together journey on down the 
beautiful valley, commonlv called Hazel Plains, in an endless flow. 
as the milk of nature's kindness. 

Possil)ly no place in this district is more closel}' allied with the 
early school-day recollections than what was known as the "Old 
Cady House." which, until within the past few years, stood nearly 
opposite the Hazel Plains School. This old house, until it was torn 
down, or rather fell down, a few years ago, seemed to be the s])ecial 
propert\- of the school bov. in which was played the game of hide 
and seek, as well as answering for the arena in which the jiugilistic 
differences of the small bo^• were settled, screened from the watch- 
ful eye of the teacher, and jM^omoted by th.e dee]) solicitude of the 
larger bow This I know from i)ersonal ex])erience. not of the 
larger bo_\-. but of the smaller. 

Although Woodl)ur\- cannot claim a large financial or {populous 
growth, it can trul\- sa\- : Mere can be found the mecca of content- 
ment, the basis of all happiness, one of natue's ])ara(lises where man- 
kind can follow untrammeled that highest calling in life, the teach- 
mgs of his Creator. 

WlXSTKl). CoXX. RuilAR!) T. HiGGIXS. 



WOODliURV, CONNECTICUT 49 



Fkiikl-akv 5, IQOI. 



Home of childhood! 1 cannot fort;ct thee. 

Though liere I am happy surrounded by friends. 
Deeply and warm in my heart I have set thee. 

And holiest thoughts with thy memory blends. 

Darling old homestead, quietly nestling 

Under the trees that shelter thee o'er, 
Where with the shadows, sunlight is wrestling 

On the short green sward in front of the door. 

Shaggy old house dog, playmate of childhood. 

Oft have we wandered together away 
To where the low strawberry reddened the wild wood, 

And loitered beside the still waters to play. 

Gnarled old apple tree, near to the window. 
Maples that rise to the blue of the sky. 

Mulberry where the bright oriole buildeth. 
Still do ye toss your proud branches on high. 

Where stretch the meadows of snowiest clover. 
The Pomperaug River goes hurrying by. 

With elm tree and willow, dark shading over. 
The pool where the trout were accustomed to be. 

On those grey rocks with dark hemlock trees crested. 

Many an hour have I lain at my ease. 
To watch the brisk squirrel chirp unmolested. 

And listen to the soft mournful wail of the breeze. 

Lowly red school-house close by the wayside. 
Many a year hath it stood where it stands. 

Curly haired girlhood and stout ruddy lioyhood. 
Throng its worn threshold in mischievous bands. 

Church of our forefathers! silently pointing 
Thy tapering spire to the infinite sky. 

There the dear pastor of God's own anointing 
Labored to teach us to live and to die. 

Graveyard of centuries, headstones all moss grown. 

Side by side stand with the mound of to-day, 
Cherished and loved ones sleep in thy bosom. 

Heedless of footsteps that over them stray. 



50 THK TOWN AM) PEOPLE 

Friend of my cliildhood. while fond recollection 

Lingers around my old haunts wjth delight, 
I would never forget how your priceless affection 

Hath yielded them all with a glory so bright. 

And, oh, the dear faces around the old hearthstone, 
Where the wood fire burneth merrily and clear. 

Father and mother and dark eyed young brother. 
That home were a desert unless ye were there. 

Woodbury, Conn. AL\ry E. Smith. 

February 6, 1899. — From the time of Alexander the Great art 
beg-an to have a wider development with more variety. Women 
were partly out of the house of bondage and more free to follow 
their own inclinations in the pursuit of art. One, belonging to this 
age, was Helena who painted for one of the I'tolomies the scene of 
a liattle in which Alexander conquered Darius. It is thought this 
picture was the original of the famous mosaic found in Pompeii. 
There are other celebrated Greek women, but we will leave them 
to turn to one Roman painter, who was of Greek origin and educa- 
tion. Lava was a pioneer in a branch cultivated by many of her 
sex, miniature painting, excelling in miniatures on ivory and lived 
about one hundred years before Christ. 

The nuns were among the first women to practice art. There 
were miniaturists and miniative calligraphists. The work of the first 
was to color histories and arabesques and place on the gold and silver 
ornamentations. The second wrote the book and the initial letters 
so often traced in red, l)lue and gold. 

The first woiuan sculptor was Sabrina Steinback, the daughter 
of the one who designed the cathedral of Strasburg, the ornament- 
ing ])eiug done in part l\v the daughter. Her sculptural groups 
are of great lieauty and have l)een admired for ages. During the 
fifteen century there were few women artists, first ainong these was 
Margeretha Von Eyck, deserves mention. She was the sister of 
Hubert and and John \ On Hyck, who discovered and introduced oil 
painting. 

In the sixteenth century we find I'roperzia de Rossi, the first 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 5 I 

to gain reputation as a sculptor in Italy. She undertook the minute 
carvino- oi peach stones. Wn one was carved the crucifixion of our 
Savior, a work comprising a numher of figures, executioners, 
disciples, women and soldiers, wonderful for the delicate execution 
and distinction of all. In the Grassi coat of arms are imbedded 
eleven peach stones, and on one side of each is carved the eleven 
Apostles W' ith an article of the creed underneath ; on the other, 
eleven holy women with the name of the saint in each and motto. 
At last she turned her attention to the sculpture of large figures, 
executing work in the highest taste. 

Marietta Robusti, daughter and pupil of the great painter, 
Tintoretto, went everywhere with her father, and learned to give 
proportion and unity to her work and the difficult art of foreshorten- 
mg. She became famous as a portrait painter. 

About the middle of the fifteenth century lived six sisters, all 
gifted in music and painting. Sofonisba Anguisciola could draw 
at the age of ten years, and became a pupil of Campi. She painted 
with so much skill that her pictures only wanted voice to be alive. 
Philip II invited her to the court of Madrid where she was much 
honored. Van Dyck said he received more enlightenment from the 
instruction of Sofonisba than from all his studies of the great 
masters. 

To the school of Seville belongs Luisa Roldau, an excellent 
sculptor in wood. Her productions were designed and executed 
with great delicacy. She sculptured a statue giving an exquisite 
idea of an angel's sweetness and protecting love. It is in the hospital 
at Cadiz. 

The eighteenth century has produced many artists. Marie L. E. 
Vigee was the daughter of a skillful portrait painter whose home 
was in Paris. When only eight years of age her father recognized 
her work as that of a genius. Her instructors were the best and she 
studied from the works of Rubens, Rembrant and Van Dyck. She 
married Jean Baptiste Le Brun, who had such a habit of gaming that 
.n 1789 she said she had not twenty francs, although her earnings 
nad amounted to half a million. In 1835 she had finished six hun- 
dred and sixty-two portraits, fifteen large compositions and two 



5^ Till'; Town axd rKoi'Li-; 

Hundred landscapes. At eiohty years ot^ age she painted a portrait 
so remarkal)le for coloring and expression that it is preserved among 
lier hest specimens. 

In the nineteenth centurv Rosa Honheur stood at the liead of 
women artists. It is weh known that she so disHked school and 
study tiiat her father took her into his studio to work. From 1841 
her work appeared ni all the I'aris exhil)itions and several medals 
were awarded her. Able pens have written all that can be said of 
her history. 

This countr}- may be proud to own the "Horse Fair." which is 
m the Metropolitan Museum in New York. As the women artists 
are constantly appearing in our papers and magazines a short list 
is sufficient, Cecelia Beaux. Mary Cassatt, Mrs. Henvon Cox, 
Rosina Emmett Sherwood. Rhoda Holmes Nichols and Mary 
Lawrence. — American Art and Artists. 

Woman's Clitb, Woodisurv. S. Augusta Salmon. 



W ( )()1 ) I ; L' K \ . C( ) X X i;CTl C L' T 



^.S 




54 TllK TOWN AND PEOPLE 

FciiRUAKv 7, 1875. — It is not SO much what we say and do as how 
we say it, and in what spirit we perform the act, being careful not 
to offend, striving to please others, and so bring them into the 
sunshine, which, mirror-like, will reflect its rays upon our own hearts 
and lives, giving assurance of duties made lighter by giving to others 
that wdiich all neetl, and which each one depends upon others for ; so 
be yourself what you would have others. 

WooDBUKV, CoxN. R. B. Martin. 

Fkhruary 8, 187 1. — The author of this description, Mrs. Rath- 
bun, was among the first of that noble band of women who were 
ever ready to encounter scorn and persecution, for the sake of teach- 
ing the colored people. The first experience was at A'icksburg 
thence she went to Galveston, where she founded a school which 
still bears her name. It was the privilege of the contributor of 
this article to the "Waterbury American" to listen to her account 
given in the North Church of her visit to the Islands of Palms and 
Malta, and also of her work in behalf of freedmen. In her ad- 
dress she said : 

"Saint Paul's Bay, ten miles from Valetta. supposed to be the 
place of the shipwreck, was a place I had greatly desired to visit, 
but sitting on the shore watching the waves dancing in the sun- 
light, brought me no nearer the great Apostle, nor was I able to 
realize more clearly the fact that his feet have pressed the same 
beach 1 had been walking. 

"The beach, the bay, the place where the two seas seem to establish 
beyond a doubt that the Malta of to-day was the Malta of the Bible. 
1 learned two lessons here, that the Blessed Master whom we love 
and serve, is no nearer us at Jerusalem than in our own New Eng- 
land homes, and that the good we may do will live long after we 
are gone." 

WooDHURY, CoxN. Sarah Barxks Rathbun. 



WOODBURY, CONNIXTICLT 55 

FKBKIARV lO. I 82 1. 

CONSTITUTION OF WOODBURY TEMPERANCE 
SOCIETY. 

Article i. This Society shall be called "Tlie Woodbury Temperance 
Society." auxiliary to the Temperance Society of Litchfield County. 

Art. 2. Any person subscribing this constitution shall be a member of 
this Society. 

Art. 3. The members of this Society believing that the use of intoxicat- 
ing liquors is, for persons in health, not only unnecessary, but hurtful, and 
that the practice is the cause of forming intemperate appetite and habits, and 
that while it is continued the evils of intemperance can never be prevented, 
do therefore agree that we will abstain from the use of distilled spirit, except 
as a medicine in case of bodily hurt or sickness, that we will not use it in 
our families, nor provide it for the entertainment of our friends or for 
persons in our employment ; and that in all suital)le ways we will discoun- 
tenance the use of it in the community. 

Art 4. The officers of the Society shall be a President. Vice-President, 
Secretary, and Treasurer, to be chosen at each annual meeting of the Society, 
and who shall perform the duties customarily assigned to such officers. 

Art. 5. The officers of the Society in their associated capacity shall con- 
stitute an Executive Committee to carry into effect all votes and orders of 
the Society, and to devise and recommend the best means of accomplishing 
its benevolent designs. 

Art. 6. The Society shall meet annually and at such other times as shall 
be judged necessary by the Executive Committee. 

MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY. 

Samuel R. Andrew, Truman Hunt. 

Grove L. Brownwell. Judah Baldwin. 

Seth Minor, Silas Clark, 

Elijah Sherman, Jr., George W. Hurd. 

Judson Blackman, Jared Allen, 

Benjamin H. Andrew, Dr. Frederick B. Woodward. 

Reuben H. Hotchkiss, Samuel W. Judson, 

Ira Thomas, Gould C. Judson, 

Walter Cramer, Wm. B. Hotchkiss, 

Gilbert S. Uliner, James Cramer, 

John Cramer, David A. Tuttle. 

—Connecticut Quarterly. Vol. IV. No. 3. 



56 



TllK TOWX AXD rM;OPLK 



The followins^- was printed in the Connecticut Quarterly in the 
first number of \ ol. I\'. 

Tlie following is a copy of the First Records of the First Company, 
Thirteenth Regiment, Light Infantry. Connecticnt Militia, organized at Wood- 
bury in 1795. and having its first drill July 2^. 1793: 

We, whose names are underwritten, do herel)y enlist into the First Light 
Infantry Company, Thirteenth Regiment, and engage and bind ourselves to 
conform to all the rules and regulations adopted by said company. 



Nathan Hurd. Jr., 
Bethuel Tompkins, 
Simeon H. Minor, 
David Roots, 
Samuel Asa Calpin, 
Phineas Marfin, 
Samuel Atwood, 
Abram Crouchright, 
Daniel Stillson, Jr.. 
Mathew M. Morris, 
John Judson. Jr.. 
Truman Percy. 
Amos Tuttle, 
Uri Gillet. 
Oliver Judson, 
Bishop Cramer. 
Solomon Root. 
Reuben Mallory. 
Garrick Bacon. 
Peter Foot. 
Elijah Calhoon, 



Ricliard Man. 
Judson Morris. 
Nathan Galpin. 
James Clark. 
Truman Foot. 
John Marshall. 
Ichaliod Prentiss. 
Daniel Mitchell. 
Samuel Spoloine. 
Christopher Prentiss. 
William Lum, 
Thady Crainmer, 
David Hinman, 
Dennis Bradley, 
James Moody, 
Gideon H Botchford. 
Charles Thompson. 
Truman Martin. 
Noah B. Benedict. 
Samuel Martin. 
Amos Smith. 



The above has recently come into the hantls of Edward S. Boyd 
of Woodbury as Librarian of the Woodbury Library. The book 
was presented to the library by Mrs. Carr, daughter of the last cap- 
tain of the company, and contains the records from 1795 to 1817. 

WooDi-.iKV. Coxx. Edward S. Boyd. 



WOODBURY, COXXlvCTlCUT 



57 




58 THK TOWN AND PKOPLE 

February 12, 1900. — The Kindergarten and Manual Training 
Schools are identical in their fundamental principles. They bring 
the mind through the eye and hand into contact with material 
things. As early as 1858 a simple species of manual training was 
introduced into the schools of Finland by Otto Cygneaus, who 
credited Pestalozzi and Froebel with the ideas underlying his work. 

It was from the introduction of manual training into the Russian 
Technical Schools that Dr. J. E. Runkle derived the knowledge and 
inspiration which made him the founder of manual training in the 
United States. The spread of manual training principles is due 
largely to Prof. C. M. Woodward of the Washington University, 
St. Louis, the first training school in the I'nited States. In May, 
1878, Prof. Woodward gave an address on manual training which 
led to the establshing of the St. Louis Training School as a sub- 
department of Washington Unversity, the funds being contributed 
by private citizens of St. Louis. In consequence of the demand for 
more room it was greatly enlarged in 1882. During the years 
1880-82 thousands of visitors inspected the St. Louis school and its 
reports were sought from far and near. The success of the St. 
Louis school attracted the attention of the Commercial Club of 
Chicago, and the members decided to establish a school, which was 
opened in February, 1884, under the directon of H. H. Belfield. Dr. 
Belfield has expressed the opinion that "An hour in the shop of a 
well conducted training school develops as much mental strength 
as an hour devoted to Virgil." This question was asked of the St. 
Louis Manual Training School: "Do the pupils of a manual training 
school prosecute ordinary school work with the interest and suc- 
cess equal to that observed in other schools?" The testimony 
of the teachers is very pertinent here. They all say that those boys 
do better work than those of the same grade without the stimulus 
of manual training. Col. Augustin Jacobson of Chicago says: "It 
is said that if a boy learns the use of tools he will necessarily follow 
the pursuit of a mechanic and thereby be debarred from rising in the 
world. Many men are kept down in the world by ignorance and 
want of skill, but I have never yet seen or heard of any man who 
was kept down by knowledge and skill. To say that to teach a boy 



WOODBURY, COXKECTICLT 59> 

the use of tools will force him to become a mechanic, is like saying- 
that if he is taught to dance he must become a dancing master, or 
if taught to ride he must become a cavalryman or cow-boy. The 
manual training school educates boys to become men of intelligence 
and ability. It opens to them a wider field of employment than 
they could have in any other way." Since June, 1890, there has 
been no opposition to manual training excepting from differences of 
opinion in regard to methods of organization and instruction. 
Manual training is recognized as an essential feature in the educa- 
tion of both boys and girls. 

At the World's Fair there were exhibits from seventy American 
training schools of Grammar and High School grade. 

In 1894 Massachusetts made it obligatory upon every city of con- 
siderable size to establish and maintain a manual training school in 
the High School. It has been adopted by State Agricultural and 
Normal Scnools, has made its way from Boston to San Franicsco, 
and verv many business men who have cared little for the old col- 
lege methods have been enthusiastic in regard to schools for manual 
training. It is claimed for the Toledo Manual Training School that 
it was the first to be operated in connection with the public school 
system, and was the outgrowth of a private endowment, which was 
held in trust for educational purposes. The board of trustees de- 
cided to erect a suitable building adjoining the city High School, 
to be known as the Scott Manual Training School. Ex-President 
Hayes was much interested, presided at the dedication and delivered 
an eloquent address. The Toledo Institute carries on a separate 
educational course in manual and domestic training in all grades 
above the fourth. It offers a four years' course in both mechanical 
and architectural arts of young men of High School grade, and is 
so arranged that the regular studies may be taken in connection 
throughout the entire time of the course. The enrollment in the 
Winter of 1896 and 1897 previous to the establishment of this school 
included two hundred pupils. Since the opening of the manual 
training department the attendance includes over one thousand 
students. 

Beginning with the fifth grade instruction is given by a well 



6o tup: Town and pecji'ij-: 

trained manual teacher, and inexpensive ways have been constructed 
that may be used for the knife-work on the desks in the school room. 
In the course practical knowledge is given in the use of the knife, 
compass, T square and triangle, scale and pencil, each pu])il making 
drawings for man\' useful articles. The work of the seventh and 
eighth grades makes a careful study of the grain, (|ualitv and texture 
of materials, the use of bench tools and construction of useful 
articles. Instruction is given in carpentry, cabinet making and 
wood turning, the geometrical work of the drafting room and a 
systematic course in heating, bending, welding of iron and steel, 
with the forging of useful tools that may be used in the machine 
shop or at home. In the mechanical arts the study of pattern mak- 
ing, moulding and casting, tinsmithing and plumbing is made, while 
in the architectural course the study of different types of ornamen- 
tation, the drawing of plans .for buildings, with clay modeling of 
architectural ornamentations. Instruction is also given in manual 
training for girls in cooking and housekeeping in domestic science, 
drawing, modeling and wood-carving, millinery and dressmaking. 
There are such training schools in connection with the graded 
schools of iVaugatuck, Bristol, Manchester, New Britain, Hart- 
ford and Xew Haven. 

If the assertion is true, made by those who are fitted by education 
and experience to judge, that an hour in the manual training de- 
partments develops as much mental culture as an hour devoted to 
Virgil, why is it not just what we need in our new school to make 
it even more successful than it is now. 

It is especially true of our country boys that as soon as the High 
School age is reached they leave us for the city for further ad- 
vantages and employment. Does it not appear reasonable that if 
the manual training department was in our school the children in 
our families could remain longer in our homes and the town, and 
be better (pialihed to do their best work in life. — Maniuil Traiiiiii;^ 
for Boys. 

Woman's Chi:. Woodisukv, Conn. Nkijjk Dkws Harvkv 



WOODIiL'RV, COXNECTICUT 



6i 




Till': Ol'AKHR Sll I'KAIAX IIOL'SK. 



February 13, 1876. — My youthful clays were spent in old Wood- 
bury, and the first school I ever attended was in the little brown 
school-house in District No. 3, standing on the ])lace where now 
stands Messrs. Burton's large warehouse. There was nothing on 
the large meadow at that time but the school house. Now there 
are the warehouse, Wells's store. L. J. Allen's machine shop, and 
the large barn and storehouse and sheds connected with the lumber 
yard. The changes of forty years have made a wonderful differ- 
ence with the appearance of things around and near the old school 
house site : now this locality can hold her own both in buildings and 
material, which constitutes a prosperous people. The pleasant 
days when I attended school in the old brown school house come 
back witli greater force when tlie changes since that time are con- 
sidered. Then the country store kept l)y Mr. Cogswell was where 
the people from far and near brought their butter and eggs to ex- 



62 THE TOWN AXD PEOPLE 

change for sugar, molasses, dry goods and Yankee notions. "Doc" 
was the presiding genius behind the counter, and we small boys 
looked with wonder and envy on the treasures he controlled. His 
fiddle was our delight and nothing could excel the music from his 
magical bow. Happiness was easily earned then, and there was no 
thought for the morrow that (that sleep could not remove) troubled 
the row of curly heads who sat on the long bench in the school house. 
The little boy was at home with the rest, and knew not the 
rugged road he was to travel in after life ; neither was the aris- 
tocracy of birth considered, but rather the swiftest foot and 
strongest arm bore off the honors. 

Coming out of "Dark Lane" toward Xorth Main Street, the first 
residence is occupied by one of the boys born and brought up in 
Number Three. The barn at the rear of "Doc's" was once the old 
store in which he was for a long time clerk. Every door and every 
timber must bring up some reminiscences of scenes enacted in his 
boyhood days, when he was the best loved of all the merry crew. 
Hie anvil has the same ring in the old sho]:). although a different 
arm wields the hammer. The church still stands on the original site, 
a monument to a difference of opinion between our sects. It is 
thrifty and prosperous under the pastorate of Rev. J. L. R. Wyckoff, 
who is the third in line to honor the position. When all have done 
well, comparisons are not in place. The founders budded well and 
to their action many of the changes in the town can be traced. The 
house north of the church has been, like others, greatly altered since 
the society bought and converted it into a parsonage. Leman Sher- 
man, called the honest merchant, was the builder, and for many years 
made it his home. The next house north, the residence of N. M. 
Strong, was Iniilt by Mrs. Olive Olcott, and was one of the first in 
tnis locality to constitute the number of goodly residences to be 
seen on the street at the ])resent time. The handsome cottage on 
the north, put up l)y Almon (^.alpin, is an addition to the street and 
shows the good taste of the owner. Built mostly by himself, the 
work will stand longer without repairs than will the average of con- 
tract houses. 

The next cottage north was built b\- Matthew Elliot for his sister. 



WOODBURY. CONNECTICUT 63 

This was one of the early additions and one of the first balloon 
frames put up in town. The natives wondered how a house put up 
with umbrella frames could stand the test of time. The premises 
at the present time are owned by Mrs. Booth of Stratford. The 
next house was built by Miss Avis Youngs, who builded according 
to her means and not according to lines of beauty. After her 
death it came into the possession of the Methodist Society, whose 
minister used it for a residence until the society was able to buy 
the Sherman house. Mr. J. H. Burton bought the place of the 
society and has greatly improved its outward appearance. Mr. 
Burton is the senior member of the firm of that name, and spends 
most of his time in the West buying lumber, grain and flour for 
market. In looking over the many changes constantly occurring in 
our town none is more suggestive of the past and present, the old 
and the new, then those going on in and about the Isaac Sherman 
place. The name of Sherman was a prominent one in the early 
settlement of the town, and the family held their share of the offices 
in the gift of their fellow citizens. Father Sherman was one of the 
founders of the Methodist Church and one of the main pillars dur- 
ing a long life of usefulness. Isaac, the Quaker, carried on the 
nursery business, and many is the fruit tree now growing that was 
set out by him. People came from far and near and paid their 
shekels for trees of doubtful origin. The boys were his especial 
foes. They changed his labels, cut his grafts and stole wax and 
tools pertaining to his trade. The old man never knew to a cer- 
taintv whether the trees he sold would bear the fruit called for, so 
long as certain lads w^ere allowed on his premises. A little north 
of the old house was a small red shop where Zib Wilbur put the 
heads on brads finished from the nail shop of Peck & Bacon. This 
was done with a hammer by hand and was the only way known at 
the time. The manufacturer of to-day would smile at the brawny 
arm that hammered out brads for our people. — Woodhury Reporter. 
Woodbury, Conn. Letters by W. A. Strofg. 



64 THE Town and people; 

February 14, 1900. — 

When you ask me to tell you a story 

Of good old Woodbury town, 
My thoughts turn back to my childhood, 

And recall some scenes there set down. 

The first, which stands out in my memory 

As distinct as the light of day. 
Is that of the hoary old Qnaker, 

And his brown house over the way. 

The liouse was enclosed in a forest 

Of trees reaching far o'er my head, 
And held a little old lady, 

Poor tiling! what a life she was led. 

The Quaker had mn'series of fruit trees. 

Pears, apples and peaches galore. 
Not one would he give for the asking. 

For all he had such a large store. 

The boys of the village oft went there 

To sample the fruit on the sly, 
In the hours of darkness at midnight, 

But found Quaker watching the sky. 

What a change has come over the landscape! 

Not a vestige of either remains, 
Of the forest, the house, or the Quaker, 

An.other new Dynasty reigns. 

W^)onr.URv, Conn. Hattie Churchiij, Strong. 



WOODl'.lU'tY, CONNECTICUT 



65 




66 THE TOWN AKD PEOPLE 

Febrl'arv i6, 1892. — In a sunny ha}- window in the home of N. 
M. Strong the children of the neighborhood had been accustomed 
to gather for the morning pastime with their playmate, Frank. The 
little group came merrily, bringing happy greetings. There was 
Kddie, with sunny hair and genial smile ; Harry, whose dark brown 
eyes were sparkling with fun, and thoughtful Perrin ; Willis, whose 
tactful way and plans suggested a future foreign diplomat, and 
Charlie, who was the first to spy the goluen-winged flicker returning 
to her accustomed tree on the lawn ; Winfred, the boy who wished 
to be a sailor; Herman, always kind in assisting others, and Win- 
fred, possessing the eye and skill of the artist. As the morning 
hours speed on the children bring a request for "a new game," and 
a believer in the kindergarten, suggests one of these games. 

The thoughtful treatment of childhood through the natural 
methods of the Kindergarten is appreciated by this group, who be- 
come so deeply interested that the arrival of the noon hour is a sur- 
prise. With eyes sparkling with cheerful animation, they don hats 
and coats, asking with pleading looks, "Can not we come again to- 
morrow and play these games, and may our brothers and sisters 
come?" The mother, to whom the voice of childhood never ap- 
pealed in vain, willingly consents to grant their request, and voices 
and footsteps are soon lost in the distance, as they hurry homeward 
eager to tell of their pleasant anticipations. 

One following morning, Februar}- iC). 1892, a In'ight eyed com- 
pany of boys and girls assemble in the sunny south window, and with 
songs and words of welcome the new school is commenced. The 
children gather in the circle of bright little red chairs for the story 
and thought of the day. As the teacher looks upon the little corn- 
pan}- she sees the l)eautiful child spirit there enshrined ; also realiz- 
ing that the harmonious development of the creative self-activity 
of these children will ])e through unity of thought, principle and 
conduct, in the fulfillment of the daily programs. Not only a 
spontaneous self-activity, but self-control will be secured by co- 
operation, even in this little republic. 

The teacher believed that each child held a three-fold relation- 
ship in this world, to nature, God and his fellow beings. During the 



WOODBURY. CONNECTICUT 6/ 

days and weeks that followed, many happy and interesting hours 
were passed as they gathered about the kindergarten tables for the 
development of those fundamental and progressive principles con- 
tained in the gifts and occupations of Froebel's system. They 
considered the wild flowers, how they grew, became acquainted with 
their bird neighbors, who alighted on their arrival on the flowering 
shrub near the school-room windows, singing their beautiful songs, 
and listened to the voices of the pebbles and the stories told by 
the trilobites and others of the creation of world. 

Some times the morning talks were of "Right Living and 
Patriotism," seeking to impress the value of good morals and citizen- 
ship of oft repeated songs and words. The joyous hours pass 
quickly and the more mature children becoming etiicient through 
the development of their powers by these methods and principles, ad- 
vance to the next grade, and find the primary department to be a con- 
tinuation of that already acquired. With a readiness and ability that 
could not have been possessed without this system, which has estab- 
lished habits of order, industry and self-government, the children 
read, write and comprehend numbers ; gain a clear understanding of 
the elements of geography by field study, practice in sand tray and 
modeling in relief, become correct in their perceptions through study 
of lines and surfaces, and ingenious in designing through parquetry. 

On December 25, 1893, a Christmas festival service was held in 
Strong's Hall with a program which consisted of Processional 
Carols, Songs of Welcome, readings of Christmas time, and 
poems recited by the children. In answer to the children's request, 
"Tell us a Story," the teacher gave the "Legend of the Christ 
Child." A Christmas hymn from Gottschalk, with words by Kate 
Douglass Wiggin, was sung by a voice from the group of girls and 
two lads, carol of the Christ child coming to bring "Light to the 
World." All of the children rising, joined in the "Christmas 
March" about the tree, laden with gifts of their making, tributes 
of their afl:"ection and esteeem for parents and friends. After the 
bestowal of these tokens and singing of the "Wonderful Tree," the 
exercises closed with a Christmas Recessional. 

This school continued through four years of prosperity, finding 



68 THE TOWN AND l'i;()l'LK 

its highest reward in the i^uidance and development of these youth- 
ful minds in the philosophy of Froebel. In closin.c: its work the sin- 
cere wish was expressed l\v all. that schools based upon these har- 
monious principles and with such far-reaching- influences, mii^ht be 
establislied in every hamlet in this broad land. 

WooDBui^-, Conn. Julia Minor Strong. 

February 2=^. 1895. — Five years ago this winter 1 left your beau- 
tiful town, which had l^een my home for so many years, and turned 
my face westward toward new friends and scenes. After leaving 
the hills and valleys of New England, the flatness of the landscape 
is very noticeable until one becomes accustomed to it. There were 
no brooks, lakes, rivers or water of any kind in the vicinity of 
Champaign, with the exception of one muddy stream about the 
color of cofifee. All the trees about the place had been set out, the 
onlv natural woods being a siuall clump of trees called "the timber," 
not a very attractive place so far as scenery is concerned. How 
well I recollect my first return to old Woodbury ! Never did the 
hills seem so hig-h, never the water in the myriad little brooks so 
sparkling and clear, never the shade more grateful of the magnifi- 
cent old trees which line the road on either side from Southbury to 
your street. F)Ut aside from the natural features and location, there 
were many pleasant things about the life at Champaign. The 
people of the West are noted for friendliness and hospitality, and 
we found them no exception to the rule. Being a university town 
it presented many advantages not to be found elsewhere, and after 
living there four years and a half it was with feelings of real re- 
gret that we contemplated the prospect of a change. Regret tem- 
pered with pleasant anticipations, however, for we had heard much 
of the beauty of Madison, Wisconsin, our new home to be, antici- 
pations which have been more than realized since coming here six 
months ago. Situated on a hill surrounded by lakes, Wisconsin's 
capital city lifts its white dome to the blue sky. A mile away on a 
long ledge her State FTniversity stretches out its nuiuerous buildings 
for the distance of a mile along the beautiful shores of Lake Men- 
dota, a most charming sheet of water eight or nine miles long and 



WOODIJURV, COXXKCTICUT 69 

four or Mve miles wide. It is one of a chain of four lakes nearly sur- 
roundino- the city, their outlet l)eing- into Yahara river. Monona, 
Waubesca and Kegonza are the names of the other small lakes. 
Musical Indian names, worthy to he classetl with Konnewau';-, 
Owanaga, Orenaug and Pomperaug. The real Indians are not 
lacking in this case, but frequently come in from their reservations 
in the northern part of the State and may be seen wandering aim- 
lessl>- through the streets of the city, looking very picturesque in 
their bright blankets and moccasins, a striking contrast to the busy 
life around them. 

Madison has a population of fifteen thousand, not including fifteen 
hundred students. There is no manufacturing to speak of. The 
capitol and university make up the life of the place. The univer- 
sity has about twice as many students as the University of Illinois, 
a facultv numbering ninety-nine, and is a much older and wealthier 
institution, has more and better buildings and better facilities for 
work. With the exception of the Universities of Minnesota and 
Michigan, it is the largest college in the West. The First Con- 
gregational Church of Madison has a memberships of nearly seven 
hundred, and a very remarkable preacher. Dr. Updyke, formerly. of 
Chicago. 

With the exception of three or four weeks in January the weather 
has been mild and beautiful. More sunshiny days than I ever saw 
in succession at this time of year anywhere. Together with the 
rest of the country we suffered from two or three blizzards, the 
thermometer going as low as 2t,° below several times, but aside 
from that, a more delightful Winter could not be imagined. Ice 
boating is much indulged in by the students here, and is very fas- 
cinating though somewhat dangerous, the boats attaining some 
times a velocity of sixty miles an hour. In skating, too, a large sail 
is used by means of which a terrific speed is acquired. Altogether 
the thought of making one's home here is very pleasant, although 
it is so far from most of our friends. Still our annual visit home 
every Summer, looked forward to all the year, keeps us in touch 
with old friends and scenes. 

The former are constantly changing, reminding us of the uncer- 



JO TIIK TOWN AND PEOPLE 

tainty of life. J Jut the dear old town remains the same, peacefully 
resting in the valley, and the longer I live the more I am convinced 
there is no lovelier spot on earth than the Litchfield hills of Con- 
necticut. Other places may be grander, but they have not the 
charm for me to be found there. When you have electric cars run- 
ning between Woodbury and Southbury, making it easy of access 
to the outside world, I am sure others will not be slow in discover- 
ing and availing themselves of the beauties to be found in this 
"Garden Spot of the Earth." 

Madisox, Wisconsin. Maud Wyckoff Farrington. 

February 28, 1869. 

'J'here is no heart but hath its inner anguish. 

There is no eye but hath with tears been wet, 
'I'here is no voice but hath been heard to languish 
O'er hours of darkness it can ne'er forget. 

There is no cheek, however bright its roses. 

Btit perished buds beneath its hues are hid ; 
No eye within its dewy light reposes. 

But broken star-beams tremble 'neath its Hd. 

There is no lip, howe'er with laughter ringing, 

However light and gay its words may be. 
But it hath trembled at some dark up-springing 

Of stern affliction and deep misery. 

We are all brothers in this land of dreaming. 

Yet hand meets hand and eye to eye replies; 
Nor deem we that beneath a brow all beaming 

The flower of life in broken beauty lies. 

Oh ! blessed Light that gilds our night of sorrow ! 

Oh ! Balm of Gilead for our healing found ! 
We know that peace will come with the to-morrow 
And that afflictions spring not from the ground. 
Woodbury, Conn. F.\nnie J. Minor. 



wdcmu'RV, cox\i:c"ncrT 



71 




MARCH. 



March i, 1900. — 



This grand old town, our place of birth, gives many varied scenes ; 

The lofty hills, the' Sylvan dales, the rocky, deep ravines ; 

Its street are wide, well shaded o'er by trees of rarest beauty ; 

To curb our lawn, lay concrete walks it is our bounden duty. 

So that our nomes attractive are, to visitors and neighbor, 

A tribute high, it also pays to man's industrious labor. 

We've two hotels to take in guests ; also some private houses 

Where weary strangers can find rest, and husband's bring their spouses 

To spend the summer free from care, and roam our hills and valley, 

Get ozone fresh from nature's land, from all disease they'll rally. 

There's Hesky Meadow, Crystal Lake, likewise old Bacon's pond, 

While all complete the Reservoir's a little way beyond. 

Its crystal stream runs through our streets, its supply ne'er relaxes, 

The hydrants and hose reels of course increase our taxes. 

But what of that, the luxury to drive dust from our street, 

Or wet our lawns when parched with thirst, it's done so well and neat. 

In morning, noon or evening if upon a walk you're bent. 

Do not forget the sign-board, 'tis the Soldiers' Monument. 

Turn to the east, ascend the hill, 'twill be a little lark. 

You'll find a rustic roadway leading into the Park, 

The course is steep and winding, yet still a rosy ])ower ; 

The shady nooks are filled with seats, it leads up to the Tower. 

We have barbers, butchers, bakers, who do their goods disburse. 

And doctors, lawyers, merchants, priests, who want your very purse. 

We have harness makers, ice men and milk men three or four. 

Who come aroiuid all times of day and leave it at your door. 

We have clubs and we've societies, of every creed and kind. 

Who have their meetings frequently to keep them in our mind. 

We've carpenters ana masons, and painters by the score. 

Who ply their trades successfully, and if you wish for more. 

We have our factories numbering three, all running on full time 

Employing quite a lot of men, all covered with the grime. 

We've wagon makers, blacksmiths and washec — washee man ; 

Enough printers, tinners, plumbers, to fill a caravan. 

Milliners and dressmakers and dealers in fine shoes 

Telephone and telegraph by which to get the news; 



WOODIUUV. coxxia'TicuT 73 

A dentist, who manipulates his instrinnents with twirls. 

A jeweler, who sells fine rings to laddies for their girls. 

There's horsemen, and good horses with which to get ahout ; 

Also a place to buy their feed whene'er your oats are out. 

'We've tennis courts and golf links, and base ball played by rule; 

The place to seek for knowledge is Mitchell's graded school ; 

A noble gift to this old town by one who knew her wants, 

And one whose praises we will sing long's we're inhabitants. 

We have an undertaker, he's lean and lank and wan ; 

In want of anything from limi just telephone for Swan, 

His horse is always ready, it being just a bike; 

He'll serve you well and faithfully, can call him day or night. 

Then there's the Silent City wherein we lay our dead. 

With loving hearts we cherish them, places flowers on their bed. 

In tenderness we leave them to sleep beneath the sod. 

Until the resurrection they're called forth by God. 

We've musicians, who love to sing with voices clear and sweet ; 

The soloists and male quartette just make it all complete. 

We've players on stringed instruments, and when they're all in tune, 

Can play L. M. Doxologies or "Up in a Balloon !" 

A place where we can bank our funds and get our four per cent., 

But if we want to borrow we pay them higher rent. 

We have a creamery in the 'Ville, a tannery on the street. 

A private hall is in Strong's block, where the O. U. A. M. meet; 

We've dealers in green groceries and fresh fish peddlers too. 

We've courts of almost every kind, and courting is the go. 

We even have our drummers with patent leather boots. 

The kind of drum he uses is soliciting for blank books. ' 

We have two photographers whose names are on our books, 

And every one who has the price can see just how he looks. 

We've two insurance agents, wiho are the humming stuff, 

Just say the word, they'll write and write until you say enough ; 

Then turning say we've raised the rate, will send you on the bill. 

To sell our own and others' goods we have two auctioneers. 

When going in full force cry out. "come bid!'' "wdiat do I hear?" 

This grand ola town is one of health, but if one should have ills. 

Pie's only to step into Strong's for powder or for pills : 

If Strong has not the kind you want, and feel you cannot wait. 

Just come down town to Judson's. he'll give it to you straight. 

Our postal clerks are genial to all who go for mail. 

They weigh our letters awful close for fear that we shall steal. 

A florist too we used to boast — his courage seemed to fail. 



74 THE Town and rKoi'Lii 

W hen Ihe Lord broke out eight hundred glass by sending down the hail. 

We have some butter makers, wlio on the make are bent, 

W hen feed's a little higher, they raise the price five cents. 

We've dealers in store cattle, sheep and horses fine, 

We have a clock upon the church by which to tell the time. 

Then there's the noisy threshing mill, which helps pound out our grain ; 

And we have a fine new stage to take us to the train. 

We've men go out to whitewash, and women go lo clean. 

One must engage before the rush, which always comes in spring. 

We have machine horse clippers, who do their work quite neat, 

John Capewell in the west side, Irving Atwood on the street. 

We've professionals to nurse the sick, sewing machines for sale ; 

Have hunters traversing our w(.iods and bringing in the quail. 

We've happy benedicts and brides, and would-be's not a few. 

Who hope e'er long to join the list. How will it be with you? 

We have four churches in the town, which ouglit to make it good, 

And if they lived what they profess, we have no doubt it would. 

We've a telegraph operator, the one whom we call Nick — 

It's his daily occupation to get in every tick. 

A Hneman too, who climbs the poles and makes all the repairs, 

.\n earnest prayer he others up for those who mix tlie wires. 

There's a Library, Club Room and Ice Cream Parlors too, 

A Temperance Hall up in the 'Ville, Masonic Hall below. 

■We've a Probate Office just complete and poulterers and fruit. 

A Town Hall which is near undone, the State road leads up to it. 

To the city of elms one express ; two to the city of brass — 

Will bring whate'er you wish to get. 

And all they ask is cash. 

But should I undertake to tell all that in town is done, 

"Twould take me days, weeks, months and years. 

And bring me no renown. 

So I will stop just where I am, the sun is in the west. 

Whene'er you want to know some more just sit right down and guess, 

This grand old town is well supplied with everything most fair. 

Our only present pressing need 

Is Warner's trolley car. 

Woodbury, Conn. Sus.\n W. B.m.dwin. 



WOODIU'UN'. COXNl'.CTlCLT 75 

Maucii 4. Hjoo. — All valuable thintis come to us through effort. 
The spoutaneous products of earth are mainly weeds and briars. 
Behind the rich harvest of autumn there has been the careful and 
persistent toil which has brought sweat to the face and weariness 
to the limbs. Behind the glowing passages of the brilliant historian, 
the sweet strains of the skilled poet, and the rich fruits of ripe scholar- 
ship there lie years of careful and intense ap])Iication which wore 
heavily upon the body and often kept sleep from the eyes. Hereby 
their products are made precious to them and to the world. So our 
rich heritage of civil and religious liberty is the outcome of cen- 
turies of struggle and sacrifice. The Covenanters of Scotland, the 
Huguenots of France, the Pilgrims of Holland and the pioneers of 
freedom in the mother country have braved persecution, privation 
and death in order to pass on the boon to us. And hence, bethink- 
ing ourselves of its cost in tears and blood, we set the higher value 
upon it. If we seek now by a like process to estimate the cost of 
the Gospel, we shall be utterly baffled, and can only join with the 
apostle in calling it glorious, or as the New Version more clearly 
puts it, "the Gospel of the glory of the blessed God." that is, one 
in which the glory of God is displayed to angels and men. Ah ! we 
were redeemed, not with corruptible things, as silver and gold — 
our earthly standards of value— but with the precious blood of Christ 
as a lamb without blemish and without spot. Think what it must 
have cost God to see His well-beloved Son lay aside the glories he 
had with Him from the foundation of the world to go out from 
the peace and bliss of heaven to encounter the perils and privations 
of earth, to be despised and rejected of men, and to die the shame- 
ful and agonizing death of the cross. Think, too, what pangs must 
have come to the loving heart of God as he beheld the persecutions, 
imprisonments and martyrdoms of His apostles and disciples in the 
early establishment of Christianity and through the ages since. Our 
poor methods of estimation fall far short of solving the problem of 
the cost of the Gospel of Christ. In it is the unspeakable gift of a 
sacrificing, suffering, dying and reigning Saviour. Its establish- 
ment has been marked by the toils, tears and blood of millions of 



76 THE TOWX AXD PEOPLE 

heroic and lovini;- disciples, who disclosed the glory of the Lord 
who sustained them and gave them songs of victory. — From Scniion 
Entitled "The Lilorioits Gospel." 

GURDOX W. NOYES, 

Pastor First Congregational Chnreh, 
Woodbury, Conn. November 14, i86p. August 9, i8/p. 

^Iakcii 5, 1890. — Thus to every man comes the new' ideal of char- 
acter and the new vision of service, when Jesus Christ lays hold 
upon him in the way. Happy he, if obedient to the heavenly vision, 
he can say with Paul, while confessing that he has not attained unto 
the perfect character nor fulfilled the service to which he was called, 
"But one thing I do, forgetting the tnings which are behind, and 
stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward 
the goal." Herod trembled before John the Baptist, but turned 
again to his lusts and his pride. Felix and Agrippa saw life in a 
new aspect as Paul spoke before them, but their sins proved too 
strong an attraction for them to pay heed to his words. The young 
ruler had a vision of a new life in the friendship of Christ, but the 
sacrifice was too great. Multitudes have turned away from the 
vision. l!ut a greater multitude have entered with joy into the path 
opened before them and have found it growing brighter and 
brighter unto the perfect day. They add their glad testimony to 
that of Paul, bearing witness of what they have seen and heard. 
Wendell l'hilli])s saw the mob maltreating Garrison, as they dragged 
him to jail. That night he could not sleep, and there came 
before him the vision of the slave, scarred and forsaken and scorned, 
while he heard a voice whispering, "Inasmuch as ye have done it 
unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it imto 
me." In that hour his career was determined. His eulogist nobly 
says: "The long-awaited client had come at last. Scarred, scorned 
and forsaken, that cowering and friendless client was wronged and 
degraded human it \-. The great soul saw and understood." Obedi- 
ence to that vision made him the man we honor. 



WOdDIU-RV, COXXKCTICL'T "JJ 

"O young Mariner, 
Down to the haven 
Call your companions, 
Launch your vessel 
And crowd your canvas, 
And. ere it vanishes 
Over the margin, 
After it, follow it, 
Follow the (ileam." 

Newtox Center, AIass. Edward McArthur Nuves. 

March 6, 1867. — 

Weary and worn, I seem to've wandered far; 

And now hy lonely, dreary thoughts oppressed, 
I turn away from earthly scenes and care. 

And long for rest. 

Tell me, why am I glot)my thus and sad. 

While youth's fond hopes should he within my hrain? 

Why is it. that thus, while all around are glad, 
J seek for rest ? 

Is it not wrong, thus earnestly to crave 

The l)lessing yet denied in kind hequest. 
Thoughts of our duty higli ^ulilime to waive 

For thoughts of rest? 

Thus anxKTUs into the futiu'e dim to gaze. 
And let these foolish fears mu- peace mdest ; 

Unable — weak in faith — beyond the haze. 
To see our rest ? 

Ah ! sweet w i'l it be home where, far removed 
From all the foes which have our path infest : 

Our faith by works, our love by deeds, well proved. 
In Christ we rest. 

Where we shall meet to part again no more 

From those whom, when on earth, we loved the best, 
When sorrows all are past and trials o'er. 

And all is rest ! 



y8 THK TOW.V AXl) I'Kori.K 

W hen. from in dwelling sin we shall be free 
( "Forever with the Lord," and all the blest, 

' While "Jesus will our Elder Brother be." 

In that sweet rest. 

Dear Savior ! help us e'er to love by faith. 

With lo\-e for Jesus in our lives confessed. 
Till victors faithful ever unto death 

In Heaven We Rest! 

\ll'nttcii while pul^il at Parker Academy. Jf'oodhury.] 

New York. Solomon C. Minor. M. D- 

March io, 1893. — Minortown is a school district whicli in the 
earHer years was known as Lower Xonnewau.i;'. It is pleasantly 
situated on the "classical shores'" of the limpid Xonnewaus^ River 
and bounded north by Nonnewaug", east by Puckshire and Catswamp 
and west by Flanders districts. Within the memory of some of us 
still residents here, there was killed here on the mountain to the 
west, a catamount or panther, which no doul:)t was a lineal de- 
scendant of the disturbers of the peace whose blood curdling cries 
and piercing- calls made night hideous as they resounded from the 
hill tops and reverberated through the Indian wigv/ams located in 
this still somewhat "lonely vale." In our childhood, straggling 
families of Indians occasionally passed through here. They some- 
times peddled baskets, often begged for cider, and not infrequently 
for victuals, \\nicn a lad, the writer heard Ephraim Minor, then 
an aged man, talk of going in his younger days accompanied by 
another to lie in wait at night to shoot the bears which came out 
of the adjoining woods into a field of corn then growing on ground 
now known as the "old peach orchard," situated on the table land 
to the east. Some of the details of the old gentleman's story were 
that each hunter made a white chalk tnark on the top of his gun bar- 
rel, so as to get a better range to shoot in the night, and that the 
bears made a good deal of noise in crushing dow^n the stalks and 
munching the corn. The writer has also heard Captain Jesse Minor, 
of those or earlier times, give a narrative of the training of a com- 
pany of Woodbury "militia men" on the level ground in what is 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 79 

now and was then known as the "Mill meadow," a portion of the 
then parade grounds of which is now in another enclosure. The 
captain said that at that time a tavern was kept at the "okl mill 
house." This stood near the well, or what is now Mrs. Goodsell's 
premises, and was torn down many years since. Countr\- taverns 
in former times seem not to have been uncommon. In the house 
of John Mincer near bv, as in other instances in other places, the 
wood work gives evidence. In our schoolboy days, at one time the 
newspapers announced that war with England was immment, and 
that a man-of-war at Xew York was taking her ammunition aboard, 
which created no little excitement. The school fellows of those 
days in talking the matter over said : "If we have war with England 
all Xonnewaug, all Puckshire, and Catswamp, and all Flanders will 
have to go." War was not proclaimed at that time, but to what ex- 
tent the possible array of these forces was instrumental in averting 
it. we will leave for the diplomat and historian to say. — Woodbury 
Correspondent of H'afcrbiiry American. 

Marcji 14 1901. — Shortly prior to the outbreak of the Civil War 
I was making a business trip in Illinois, and en-route westward en- 
tered northeastern Missouri just previous to the assault on Fort 
Siunpter. The Secession element was very strong in that section 
and threatened to have the State out of the Union in thirty days. 
At one hotel where I registered, I found "Yankee" written after 
my name. Returning soon to Free Soil in Illinois. I found busi- 
ness almost paralyzed, many banks in the Northwest issued cur- 
rency based on Southern State bonds, and their currency had rapidly 
depreciated in value, various products of the Northwest had found 
their best market in the South, via the Mississippi Valley, and this 
source of revenue was now cut off. Ikitter sold at seven cents per 
pound, eggs at three cents per dozen, and other articles in pro- 
portion. 

Returning to my business in Wisconsin, I found it conducted 
by friends, my partner ill at home, and our clerk enlisted in a three 
months' regiment, commanded by Colonel, afterwards Major-Gen- 
eral, Ruser. 



8o THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

For some time previously one U. S. Grant had been engaged as 
commercial traveller in Southwestern Wisconsin for his father, 
whose business was at Galena, III, then a busy shipping point on 
Fever River, where steamers landed, bringing freight from as far 
as Pittsburg. An incident occurred on his last trip in that capacity 
which may be new in print. Grant, appearing in military uni- 
form, registered at a village hotel, and was in the public office wait- 
ing for dinner, chatting with a friend, when a merchant of the 
village, and stranger to him, with Western freedom approached, and 
volunteered some badgering remarks, asking: "Did the govern- 
ment pay for that suit? What did the rig cost?" etc. His object 
being to raise a laugh at the expense of the man in uniform. His 
questions were answered politely and coolly by Grant, and our 
friendly shortly withdrew, and soon dinner was announced. As Grant 
walked in, he asked his friend who the queriest was, and the sub- 
ject was then dropped. The humorist, however, soon enlisted and 
became corporal in the First Company sent from the town to the 
war, served in the Army of the I'otomoc, afterwards re-enlisted with 
his regiment for three years, doing valiant service, and was later 
transferred to relieve Rosencrans at Chattanooga, thus coming 
under General Grant when he took command and carried on that 
famous campaign. 

In 1864 while at a hotel in Madison, Wis., an officer was seated by 
my side, and I was pleased to find that it was my old friend, the Cor- 
poral, now Adjutant, in charge of his regiment (the Third Wis- 
consin ) . its ranks being refilled after coming from Chattanooga, 
to go forth and serve to the end of the conflict. 

Incidents are rare which illustrate more strikinglv the change so 
briefly accomplished, from "drummer" to General Commanding. 
— Kccollccfioiis of '6j. 

Xew York. Henry A. L.\mbert. 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 



8i 




82 THE TOUX AND Plv()l'IJ<: 

March 15, lyoi. — We would thank }()U, l)()th pupils and teaches, 
for the box of pinks and roses presented to us throui;-h Principal E. 
1 1. Johnson. 

And while you study to ,^et knowledge you nia}' study to l)e wise, 
to shun that which is evil, and choose the g'ood, that _\-our ives may 
he like the opening rose — brighter as time passes away. 

Woodbury, Coxx. Charles C. Mitchell. 

March 18, lyoo. — Colonel Kellogg- Council, No. 55, ( ). L'. A. M., 
was instituted (Jctober 31st, 1890, by Thomas F. Gilmore, State 
Organizer, assisted by the officers of the State Council of Connecti- 
cut, and the oilicers of Excelsior Council, Xo. 2, ( ). U. A. JM., of 
W'aterimry. At the institution of the Council there were 45 Charter 
meml)ers. 'i he place of meeting is in the third story of what is 
known as Strong's lUock at the upper end of Main Street. The 
present membership is about 90. The members furnished the room 
in which they meet with desks, chairs, carpet, curtains, etc., at an 
expense of about $250.00. This is the most in'osperous Council in 
Litchfield County. They pay a sick benefit of $5.00 ]:er week, and a 
death benefit of $50.00. Their dues are 60 cents per month. At the 
jjresent writing (January, 1901) they -have a fund of over $600.00. 
The first Councilor was Willis A. Strong. The first Treasurer was 
William H. Rowell. who has faithfully performed the dutie^^ of that 
office until the present time. Death has invaded this Council five 
times and removed the following members: 

Chaides E. Strong, died Deceml)er 25th, 1891, aged 49. 
Willis D. Smith, died June 7th, 1893, aged 34. 
Marcus D. Smith, died August sth, 1894, aged 68. 
Willis A. Strong, died September nth, 1894, aged 67 
(jeorge H. Daskum, died January 28th, 1900, aged 55. 

This Council is in a very prosperous and fiourishing condition, 
both numerical]}- and financially. 

Early in the year 1898 the State Council of Connecticut issued a 
circular ofifering as a prize to pay each Council the sum of $1.00 a 
member for every member gained Juh- ist, 1898, ])rovided 90 per 



\v(l()nl;l•K^■, coxxi^cnci r 



83 




84 Till' Town and i>K()1'i,k 

cent, of its nicmljcrs were in good standino; on June 30th, 1898. No. 
55 won the prize, having made a gain of 13 memlsers. with 93 per 
cent, of its mem])ers in good standing. This was tlie only Council 
in the State having 90 per cent, of its memljers in good standing- 
June 30th, i8y8. This Council has the largest fund of any Council 
in Litchfield County. The laudahle endeavors of this Order are to 
secure to posterity the privileges we enjoy, to aid our Brothers in 
distress ; that when laid upon a hed of sickness the friendly and 
timely aid of the Order may he manifested, and in the silent watches 
of the night a friend will ever he ready to administer to the wants 
of those who are in need of care. This Council has done a noble 
work in the ten years of its existence, in helping its members in 
sickness and bringing joy to many households. 
Woodbury, Coxx. Watson Frisbie. 

INIarch 19, 1895. — Woodbury is not only one of the oldest and 
most beautiful towns in the State of Conecticut, but it is also quite 
noted for the longevity of its inhabitants, two at least of whom have 
lived to be over one hundred years old. 

The last centenarian was Mr. Horace Manville, father of the 
writer. ]\Ir. Alanville was born and passed all his days within the 
limits of ancient Woodbury. He celebrated his one hundredth 
birthday on the nineteenth of March, eighteen hundred and ninety- 
five. 

The whole town participated in making the occasion one of the 
pleasantest events of his long life, and as he possessed his faculties 
in a remarkable degree he was able to enjoy and appreciate to the 
utmost all the pleasurable circumstances of the day, and was fully 
confirmed in his life-long belief, that Woodbury was a good town 
in which to live and die. 

Woodbury, Conn. Katharine M. Parker. 

March 19, 1895. — To my near neighbor and dear friend, Horace 
Manville, on his one hundred birthday — Greeting: 



^OODDURY, CCJXXKCTICUT 85 

Hail ! favored friend. With glad refrain once more 

We welcome you to this propitious day. 
This memory day rounds out a cycle 

Of a hundred years since first thy infant life 
Inhaled the air of Middlebury hills ; 

A century is thine, a century big, 
With issues wonderful and numberless. 

'Twas thine to see the day when red men 
Roamed these hills, where, wind the only motor. 

Sailed brigs and ships across the trackless sea. 
When slow stage coach made fleetest convoy for 

The traveler or for carrying public mail ; 
The telegraph to cheat both time and space 

'Twiixt distant points. No camera to print 
The face of Nature, to paint the human form. 

Or reproduce a visage true to life. 
But see! A day of change is also thine; 

A day when Nature's storehouse has been probed. 
When searching science has upturned the rich 

Treasures hid within the labyrinthine toils 
Of Natures handiwork ; earth, sea and sky. 

Electricity, light and heat have all 
Been harnessed and subdued by keen-eyed science 

To the will of man. And lo ! a multitude 
Of dazzling wonders have come forth as helps 

In this progressive age. Steam chests aglow 
With power unmeasured set massive wheels 

In motion, and with resistless force applied. 
Drive ships majestic o'er the mighty deep. 

Or pull the pondrous trains o'er hn. and plain 
At breathless speed. The telegraph and telephone. 

Twin sisters, rival in dispatch and care 
The messages conveyed to distant points. 

The phonograph catches any voice or sound. 
In prison holds it while transferred afar 

To other lands or later times. At will 
The prison band is loosed ; then reproduced 

Are words and sounds true to the sample caught. 
But time would fail to speak of kodak snaps, 

Daguerrian arts, electric plants, of volts. 
And dynamos and myriad wonders 

Brought to light within thy lenghtened days. 



86 TllK TUWX AND I'KOI'LE 

They mark ihiiie age progressive far beyond 

All other eras since the world began. 
Hail ! nighly favored man, thou'st kejU thyself 

In virtue's ways. The siren's tempters' song 
Has never lured thee into haunts depraved, 

Or led thee to inil)ibe intoxicating draughts. 
Religion's pleasant ways of peace and love 

Have kept thy feet in paths that end in heaven. 
Through all these years an honest, blameless life 

Has shed a blessed intiuence around thyself. 
And in thy ripening days, while waiting patient 

For the Reaper's blade let benediction's free. 
Descend in copious showers to fill 

The measure of thy days with quiet rest. 
Until the loving Father bids thee come. 

And take thy home prepared for thee above, 
Amcnig the many mansions of the blest. 

WooDBCKY, Conn. , George P. Allen. 

Mai-icii 20, 1900. — A study of the history of education reveals the 
fact that aiiiou.ix the leading- nations of the world certain fundamental 
ideas peculiar to the respective peoples have directed and controlled 
the education of youth. Among the Spartans, this fundamental 
idea was physical development, looking toward the production of 
a race that should be hardy in war. With the Athenian it was grace 
and elegance of mind and body, while the Jew was dominated by his 
religious beliefs. 

It is only m recent years, however, that any serious attempt has 
been made to develop the physical, moral and religious nature of 
the child along with his intellectual training, in other words, to 
build up a noble and abiding character. 

If we are to grant that character building is the aim of our 
schools to-day, we may profitably ask what are some of the condi- 
tions that arc likely to make the realization of that end possible. 

First in importance, it seems to me, is the well-equipped, sym- 
])athetic teacher, who can readily adapt herself to local conditions. 
We might dispense with costly school furniture, with apparatus, and 
with modern improvements, but we must have the teacher who has 



WOODIU'R^', COXXECTR'lT 



87 




88 THE TUWX AND PEOPLE 

in her a love for her work and all that this love implies. She must 
come to know her pupils individually as well as collectively, if she 
would serve them well. She must know the home influence sur- 
rounding- each one, that she may supplement whatever there may he 
of good in that influence, and comiteract the had, and above all she 
must respect the individual rights and opinions of her pttpils. 

Such a teacher, inspired by a genuine love for her work, will 
readily discover some method for reaching even the most indifferent 
pupil. She will soon learn that volitional acts, prompted only by the 
highest motives, are alone valuable in mental and moral training. 
Such acts are the restilt simply of an aroused interest and of a well- 
trained will. Moreover, it is a pedagogical principle that aroused 
and sustained interest finds expression in repeated volitional acts, 
each one of which leaves the individual stronger and more deter- 
mined in purpose. 

Interest, however, cannot usuall}- be aroused, or long sustained, 
by talks upon morals and manners, or upon the importance of dili- 
gence. Such friendly talks b}' the teacher have their place in every 
well-regulated school, yet it is by indirect means that the most good 
will be accomplislied. The field of literature, as opened up in the 
class-room, ftu-nishes the teacher with an opportunity for impress- 
ing the great truths she wishes to present. "Stories of great and 
noble deeds," says Bain, "have fired more youthful hearts with en- 
thusiasm than sermons have." 

Back of the mental and moral life of man there must be a sound 
and vigorous Ijody. Clear thinking, and oftentimes right living, 
are conditioned by good health. In ancient times, the people of 
Athens carried on physical and intellectual training side by side, 
and one of the most hopeful signs of our own times is the attention 
given to athletics. Under i)roper regulation and restraint, athletic 
sports may be made to play an important part in training the youth 
of our land for noble living. 

In many of our schools religious training must be only incidental 
to the other work, yet it need not be less positive in character. The 
quiet influence of a truly devout teacher will do much to inspire in 
the pupils at least a reverence for holy things. 



WOODBURY, COXXECTICUT 89 

It has been my purpose in these few words to show that we must 
educate the heart as well as the mind, that we must teach gentleness, 
love and s^•mpathy for others, and reverence for the things of God, 
and that there must be back of all this instruction a sound and 
healthv body. — Character Building in Education. 

Princeton, Mass. Elk^ar H. Grout, 

Superintendent of Schools. 

March 22, 1879. — It seems but a few years since the Hon. Leman 
W. Cutler of Watertown was teaching a singing school here; still 
fewer since Augustus Smith of Washington, now at the head of an 
important department at our national capitol, was here engaged at 
each part of the town in the same business. The past season Prof. 
Earle Buckingham of Washington has had a class consisting of the 
:hoir, present and prospective, of the First Congregational Church 
of this place, which culminated in a free concert in this place March 
22. Dr. M. S. Page presided at the organ, as usual, to the satis- 
faction of all. Among the best selections were the "Cradle Song." 
by Misses Carrie Wells and Ella Abrams, Messrs. J. H. Linsley and 
. N. M. Strong. "Adieu," a German folk song, by Misses Minnie 
Smith and Ella Abrams and Messrs. Linsley and W. V. Rood. The 
baritone solo by N. M. Strong was considered b}' many the gem of 
the entertainment. We mention but a few of the many pleasing 
songs. ^all of which were finely rendered, being creditable alike to 
the ability of the pupils and careful instruction of the professor. — 
Watcrburx American. 



90 



THE TOWX AND rEoi'LIi 




woonium', coxxKCTiCL'T 91 

March 25. 1874. — Many of the present citizens of Woodbury 
can recall the establishing of the telegraph and the unsparing and 
able efforts of David S. Bull as originator of the enterprise. On 
the completion of the line March 25, 1874, he dispatched the first 
message sent over the wires from Woodbury to W aterbury, and 
which is recorded in his "Telegraph Journal," as follows: 

"We have seen the bonds of union 

Cemented by a ring. 
But to join the town and city 

The wire's more the thing. 
Good is this slender tie. 

Better iron bars, 
Thanks for the telegraph. 

But hurry up the cars. L). S. Bull. 

The Woodbury Telegraph Company was organized, of which H. 
D. Curtiss was president and D. S. Bull secretary and treasurer. 

The value of the enterprise to the town is proved in the records, 
which state the number of messages for the year ending March 
1, 1879, to have been twelve hundred, and at the close of the next 
year the amount had reached sixteen hundred. At the present time 
Woodbury can communicate by telegraph with the most distant 
places in our land, and foreign countries through the Cable com- 
pany, who have had an office in town for several years. Tlie pre- 
diction frequently expressed in those days by Mr. Bull that "peo- 
ple would some time be able to talk from here to San Francisco,'' 
has been realized, and the telephone has, to a great extent, taken 
the place of the telegraph here, as well as elsewhere. Long distance 
telephones are in various parts of the town, and there is a fine local 
telephone system of one hundred subscribers that include Southbury, 
Southford, South Britain and Oxford, connecting with Seymour, 
Derb\' and .Xnsonia. 



92 



THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 




APRIL. 

Apkii. I, 1880. — During- the spring- floods we often had a merry 
time watching the moles and muskrats that were washed out from 
their hiding places. To catch them was a chance worth the trial. The 
prize was not often to the watching lad, but rather to the hunter and 
his gun. How we envied the owner of a gun and counted up the 
spoils he carried by watching the rising flood for gains. The pelts 
were in demand at the hat shops, and many a lad was proud of the 
beaver he earned during the harvest of furs in the early spring time 
when the oracular R pronounced them sound and good. — IVoodbury 
Reporter. 

Letters ox Ancient Wooduury, i'.y H. and E. 

April 3. 1900— There always seems to be a more or less generally 
accepted theory that the most enjoyable period in ones existence is 
during early life. 

This is probably true in a measure. Certainly the first ten or fifteen 
years are freer from care, responsilMlities, and many of the vexing 
annovances that come later. But children have their trials, their 
little jealousies. It may not be so hilly or so stormy the road they 
are travelling, but often times they find thorns and burrs that older 
ones would be apt to avoid. At a large children's party recently, 
when the lawn was thick with joyous, romping little ones, and the 
air full of laughter, a by-stander remarked : "They >vere having the 
time of their Hves and did not know it." "T don't know about that," 
remarked another. 'T believe the majority of these children will 
enjov themselves just as much at thirty or forty or fifty as they do 
now— dift"erently of course, but just as completely." I well re- 
member the first big trout I caught in East Meadow Brook, and how 
fast I ran home with it, and when Aunt ^lary said it weighed eleven 



94 'I'f'K Town and pkopi.e 

ounces, 1 was the proudest bo\- in tow'U. but I (loul)t if 1 was any 
more excited that nieniorable day than in after years when fishing 
the Au Sable or St. Regis, and I am sure my heart did not thump 
any more violently the day when, quite a youngster, 1 shot, accidently, 
doubtless, a partridge in the woods back of the great swamp ofT the 
Bethlehem road, than when 1 killed, one frosty morning in Xovember 
up among the Berkshire hills, a fox, that seemed to me to be going 
faster than any railroad train, with the dogs in full cry less than a 
thousand yards behind him. 

A man like Casper Whitney, who has spent most of his life afield 
and afloat, confessed that he never knew- what real enjoyment was 
until he hunted successfully "the most inaccessible animal on earth," 
the musk oxen, far away in the extreme Northwest on the Saskat- 
chewan and Copper Aline Rivers. 

Men past middle age wdio have tramped the Barren Lands of New 
])runswick in quest of caribou or who have shot moose in Northern 
Maine, all agree to the keen enjoyment they can only find in the 
woods and among the lakes and rivers. "Surely as a child 1 had 
no fun like this." 

( )f all the days in Summer, when I was a boy, nothing equalled 
the one when we went to "Sctippo" haying. The early start, for oxen 
were slow, when it was hardly daylight and usually cold. I remem- 
ber ( )sborn told me once 1 was as blue as an indigo bag. The fresh 
air, the nois\- birds, the hum of many insects, all went to make up 
the rarest of da\s : and the things we had to eat, nothing cotild equal 
our dinner, nothing could taste so good at home ; perhaps we took 
little heed of sharpened appetites — it w-as not necessary, everything 
was so good that a man who had just dined would have eaten 
heartily. Pint the air nowadays is just as clear and bracing, the birds 
sing just as sweetly, crickets and grasshoppers are just as numer- 
ous, and when 1 think of a luncheon of crackers and ice cold milk 
at Hannon's after a tramp down the Shepaug on a hot morning 
in June, the vScuppo dinners do not seem so grand after all. 

Bright recollections 1 will always have of my early home life. As 
I look back upon it now there seems only sunshine and happy days. 
Mv father was thoughtful, kind and indulgent. Man} trips I took 



WOODUL'KV, COXXKCTICL-T 95 

with him to different parts of the town, always with some definite 
purpose, l)Ut they were only pleasure trips to me. A hundred thing^s 
happened, hardly worth telling of, but all contributino- in its own 
wa\- to a fund of reminiscence never to be forgotten. 

Mv uncle seldom went to Waterbury without me, and once when 
I went to Litchfield with him I thought there was nothing more 
to be desired : he seemed to be always thinking of my welfare, and 
doing what he could for my well-being. One can never but in a 
small way repay the many kindnesses so ungrudgingly bestowed. 
These past pleasures of childhood 1 think have no parallel in later 
years. It must stand by itself, or it should, the fairest, most enjoyable 
part of all. 

If the years come to us, as James Russell Lowell says. "Shod with 
felt, so that we hardly notice their approach," and as we all may 
hope to have them, there seems no reason why life should not be as 
full of enjoyment to those of mature years as to children. 

It much depends on ourselves. Circumstances and general sur- 
roundings have much to do with it, Imt the sunny disposition, the 
contented mind, can almost always fintl "l)ooks in the running brooks 
and good in everything." 

Waterbury, Conn. Jesse Mixor. 




April 5, 1900. — From the fact that the leading character of this 
story is at present acting- the part of a peaceable and law-abiding- 
citizen, we will not snffer him to bear the humiliation siu-e to follow 
should I choose to give his real name, so familiar to the people of 
Woodbur}-. 

For fear that he might seek revenge by returning to his old ways 
we will, for the time being, know him as Ben, just Ben. 

Taken as a whole, Ben's life was one in which the sunshine pre- 
dominated, he sought to make it so. If troulile came, as it sometimes 
did, he conquered it by means fair or unfair, and laughed at its 
flight. 

While Ben was not generally superstitious, he believed that fate 
ruled certain things. For instance, one bright June morning he was 
called three times before making his appearance at the breakfast 
table, then in reaching for the syrup he upset his cofifee. For this 
careless act he was reproached by his mother, who enumerated his 
faults with remarkable accuracy. In passing through the kitchen he 
accidentally stepped on the cat's tail. To show his mother that this 
was done unintentionally he lifted the frightened cat in his arms and 
smoothed her hair the right way (something unusual). To his 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 



97 




98 TlIK TOWN AXl) I'l'.OI'l.K 

mother this show of sympathy was onl}' further evidence of his i^'tiilt. 
and she proceeded to instruct Ben in the proper treatment of dumb 
animals. Hoping- to find a more congenial state of affairs Ben 
leaves the house. In passing- the wood pile his eager eyes fell on his 
father's axe ; of course he picked it up. As he was about to lay it 
down the choping- block, aided by a vivid imagination, suddenly took 
the form of a hostile Indian. With a nerve-grating whoop Hen 
flourished the axe above his head and brought it down with trip- 
hammer force, not on the block as he had intended, but deep in the 
ground. "Gee !" said Ben, as his vision of the Indian was followed 
bv one of his father in a less friendly mood. Ben extracted the axe, 
now much the worse for having come in contact with a stone, placed 
it on the block and in utter dismay returned to the house. 

The discovery of the axe in its present condition would bring but 
one result and that was the peculiar application of a certain strap 
that was well known to Ben. With true logic he realized that a 
soiled table cloth could be made clean, that a cat's tail would mend, 
but a Ijroken axe never ; for this reason alone he was depressed in 
mind and spirit, and his mother noticed it. "What's the matter 
Ben?" she asked. "Nothing," said Ben. He spent little time in 
preparing for school. Taking his ready lunch he departed in haste. 
His mother watched him from the kitchen window and mistaking the 
real cause of his meekness for one of repentance, remarked aloud to 
herself as she returned to her liaking, "I'.en is a pretty good boy 
after all." 

Ben had not gone far when he met a strange dog. His first im- 
pulse was to "plug" a stone at him, but the broken axe was still 
fresh in his mind. As a result the dog passed unmolested. The next 
thing to cross his path was a toad, who, in a futile attempt to get 
out of his way by a series of awkward jumps was napped by Ben. 
"\\'here ver going?"" asked Ben. As the toad made no reply, he 
added : "Guess yer going with me," and Ben guessed right. In the 
toad he recognized a valuable aid to future fun, and unmindful of his 
manv vigorous kicks Ben stuffed the toad in his pocket. 

r>v quick steps Ben's legs carried him over the ground at a rapid 
rate, and in a short time we find him at school greeting his friends 



W ( )()l)i:rK\ , COXNKCTICI T 



99 




lOO 



THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 



with an assortment of names that savor more of convenience than 
digiiit}'. 

From the fact that a boy's name is inscribed in the family Bible as 
Robert Dayton Smith, it did not necessarily follow that he would be 
so addressed by Ben. In this case the freckled faced urchin known 
at home and by the girls at school as Robert did not deem it deroga- 
tory to his dignity and social standing to acknowledge Ben's "Morn- 
ing Speck" with a hearty "Hi there, Ben." Another youth he called 
"Jam." This name found its origin in its owner's adeptness in making 
successful raids on his mother's stock of preserves. 




WOODilURV, CONXIiCTICUT 



IO£ 



Ben proceeded to the entry room where he hung his dinner pail 
on one of the hooks provided for this purpose. Then he cautiously 
peeked through the key hole ; the scene presented within was as he 
had hoped, and is described as follows : The teacher engaged in writ- 
ing and Susie Brown with bowed head studying her spelling lesson. 
Ben disliked Susie, as in fact he did all persons who lavished time 




on intellectual improvement, and Susie was a strict adherent to this 
rule. On many an occasion she had been called on to anwser cjues- 
tions that Ben could not and the humiliation accompanying her 
promptness at such times only deepened his ill-founded hatred. Ben 
stepped to the outer door and as no danger presented itself he quickly 
took the toad from his pocket. Ben had the reputation of being in- 
human. This belief was more prevalent among the old maids and 
young girls of the community, and however universal it may have 
been, it was to an extent false, as this will show. In taking the 
toad from his pocket Ben found him in a rather exhausted condition. 
The first and most available means of relief suggested by Ben's mind 
was a pail of water intended for drinking purposes. Without 



102 THE Town axd pkoplk 

further delay Mr. Toad was plunged head first into the water pail 
and for the next thirty seconds he was the center of an aquatic dis- 
l)lay that furnished not a litle fun to pjen. 

Uy the use of a pair of very dirty hands the toad was then taken 
from the water and slipped into Susie Ijrown's dinner pail. All 
this would have passed unobserved had it not been for Tommy 
Jones, who, susi)icious of Hen's long absence from the play-ground, 
peeked in the window just as Ben was placing the toad in Susie's 
pail. Tommy had no intention of "telling on" Ben, but the joke 
was so good that he could not conceal his joy. He rushed to the 
play-ground and there gave vent to his feelings by jumping up and 
down, emphasizing each jump with a yell. Inquiries relative to the 
cause of his merriment l:)rought but one reply and that was, "Wait 
you'll see," then Tommy began a new series of jumps and yells. 
Satisfied that Tommy intended to keep his secret his audience 
thvindled away until little Johnnie Thomas was his only listener. 
"Hu! think you're smart, 1)et taint nothing," said Johnnie and he, 
too, was gone. 

It was at this point that Ben again made his appearance and sug- 
gested a game of "snap the whip." This did not appeal to the 
younger boys — past experience had made them familiar with Ben's 
methods. With many pledges and promises by Ben at last they 
yielded and all joined in the game. By the time the bell called them 
to their labors he had won the confidence of every boy in school, and 
he now took advantage of it. As the first note of the bell peeled 
out on the morning air he set the line revolwig, slowdy at first, but 
gaining speed with every turn until those near the end of the line 
barclv touched the ground. Faster and faster they revolved until 
r>en, with one mighty swing, let go. The result was appallaig. Over 
an area of several rods the ground .was covered wdth a squirming, 
kicking mass of humanity. One by one they gained their feet and 
limped to their seats. For this barbarous act the teacher blamed no 
one in |)articular. Instead she cautioned the entire school and ordered 
them to adopt games more suggestive of civilization. 

For the next hour nothing umtsual transpired. The classes were in 
turn called and the general behavior of the school was excellent, but 



W ( M )1 )ll LK V , COX X KCTICUT 



103 




104 



Tin-: TOWN" AXD PKOl'LE 



'tis always calm before a storm. Just then Sarah Warner raised her 
hand and asked leave to get a drink. The request was granted and 
Sarah tripped lightly out of the room. Hardly a minute had passed 
before the occupants of the room were startled by a sharp feminine 
shriek coming from the entry and Sarah rushed in bringing the in- 
formation that "Something alive was in Susie's dinner pail." "Don't 
be foolish, Sarah," said the teacher. Still Sarah insisted on the truth 
ot her statement. Ben knew the exact cause of Sarah's alarm, 
but pretending not to notice it, he kept his eyes on the book open be- 
fore him. 

With Tommy Jones the effect was quite different. He snickered 
once, twice, then laughed, laughed until the tears trickled in streams 




dow^n his cheeks and all efforts to check his hilarity failed. Sarah 
was ordered to bring the mysterious ])ail, and most reluctantly she 
obeyed. Holding the pail at arm's length before her she half ran, 
half danced across the floor, stopping at regular intervals to scream 
to an accom])animent of thumps and l)umps from within the pail. 
Placing the pail on the teacher's desk she backed away and stood 



WOODl! L' K \' , C( ) X X KCTlC I ' T 



105 



trcmblin,^- with fear. The cover was removed and the innocent toad 
jumped out. At this the whole school joined in uncontrollable 
lauo;hter; even the teacher turned her head and bit her lips to sup- 
press a .smile. "Thomas Jones, come here," said the teacher. 
Tommy arose from his seat, glanced at Ben and advanced slowdy to 
the teacher's desk. "Thomas, who put the toad in Susie's pail ?" 
she asked. "I — I don't know," stammered Tommy. The teacher 
picked up her rule and again repeated the question. The strain was 
too much for Tommy and he broke down. Between sobs he mut- 
tered, "I guess Uen did." The teacher then turned her attention to 
Ben. ^^d^en she asked him if he was the guilty one he replied in a 
firm voice, "Yes'm." Without further ceremony she punished him 
in a manner that indicated remarkable proficiency of the art. Sore 
and disgraced he was sent home, there to receive further punish- 
ment from his mother liy being- sent to bed. 

An hour later his mother in passing- through his room found Ben 
sleeping soundly. Under pretence of arranging the covers she 
stooped and placed a kiss on his tear-stained cheek. For such is a 
mother's love. 

WooDnrio', Coxx. ]. (iArrktsox Terrill. 




Io6 THl; TOAVX AND PEOPLE 

April 6. 1901. — The sons and daughters of the American Revo- 
kition residing- in Woodbury, in their reminiscences, often recall the 
accounts by their ancestors of the summer of 1781, memorable for 
the encampment of General Lafayette and the French Army in the 
town while on their way to join General Washington, in his well de- 
vised plan for the seige of Yorktown. The army arrived from the 
east by a winding road containing many short curves, one being 
known as the "()x Bow," a route which they had constructed from 
the northern side of Lake Quassapaug through the picturesque 
woods called White Deer Rocks, where the tall ferns and pink and 
white laurel grew in abundance amid huge rock masses. The 
traveler of to-day, desiring a well shaded and direct drive to the city 
of Waterbury, selects the road built by the French army. During 
their stay a soldier's autograph is said to have been inscribed with 
a diamond on a pane of glass in an ancient dwelling near the resi- 
dence of Thomas Bull. F[onor is given in history to these soldiers 
for their fine order and discij^line in their march through the town 
and State. With the close of the war the army returned to Boston by 
the same route, again passing through Woodluu'y. 

Of the patriotism, heroism and liberality of our ancestors during 
the Revolution, the historical records give many proofs. The noble 
spirit of those days, which dwelt in the heart and was manifested 
bv the life of every one of our forefathers, was exemplified by Rev. 
Noah Benedict, pastor of the First Church of Woodbury, as shown 
by the church records. 

"At a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the First Society in 
Woodbury December ij , lyy^ Capt. Elnathan Judson was chosen 
moderator. 

"Voted to pay to Rev. Mr. IJenedict lawful money, eighty pounds 
as a salary for the current }ear according to covenant. By a vote 
to be made on the poles and rateable estate of the inhabitants of sd 
society and any person or persons shall have liberty to pay one equal 
half of his or her rate in provisions (viz.) wheat at 4], rye at 2|6, 
Indian Corn at 2|Pr bushel, sd rate to be paid to Mr. Benedict at or 
before the first day of March next, sd Mr. Benedict appearing in sd 
meetino- was i)leased to make this ofl'er to the societv, that he was 



\V()odi:i:rv, coxxecticut 107 

willing- to relinquish ten pounds of his salan-, for the benefit of scl 
society under the difficult circumstances of the present times." 

Although the^ffairs of the country were far from being settled at 
the close of the Revolutionary \\ ar, there was a respite from many 
duties therewith associated, and our forefathers could turn their 
attention more especially to matters of home and church interest. 
Music, one of the most glorious gifts of God, they believed in and 
recognized as one of the powerful influence in human life to which 
the sacred writings gave abundant testimony. They believed that 
the nol)lest qualities of mind and heart could be developed and 
strengthened to the high.est purposes and wisest results through the 
use of good music. Therefore a vote was passed "at a meeting of 
the inhabitants of the First Society in Woodbury December 3rd, 
Anno Domini 1781, to grant a society rate to defray the charges," 
and voted to appropriate "one-half" of above sum "to promote the 
learning of Psalm tunes for Divine Service." The place and im- 
portance of music in the sanctuary was established many centuries 
ago in Judea. Among the musicians in the schools of the prophets 
at Ramah, whose mission is considered by an eminent writer to have 
been the utterance of hymns and songs, was David, the sweet singer 
of Israel. His inspiration found rich and deep expression in his 
Psalms, "For his harp was full stringed, and every angel of joy and 
sorrow swept over the strings as he passed. ' Through him a ser- 
vice of song was included with the daily offerings in the sanctuary 
and became a fixed part of the worship of Jehovah. 

Song is a marked feature of every revival of truth, hence the Ref- 
ormation required a music that the people could understand and 
sing. The Psalms were arranged in metrical form that the singing 
might be united and in the native language that all might partici- 
pate. Through the Hymns of Martin Luther in Germany, and the 
Metrical Psalms and original Hymns of Dr. Watts, music took its 
appointed place as an integral part of public worship. So highly 
were the writings of Dr. W^atts esteemed for their worth and 
adaptability, that it is said there were within the last few years, those 
who refused to sing and sat down, if any other were given out. Our 
Puritan ancestors, wdien thev came, brought with them their Hvmn 



Io8 THE TOWX AND PEOPLE 

Books, composed mainly of the writings of Dr. Watts who held the 
position of "Master of Hymnody" for upward of a hundred years. 
The various hooks containint:;' tunes were unhke. and early in our 
Colonial days collections of music began to l)e printed. Among" the 
composers was William Rilling's, who published the "New England 
Psalm Singer" in 1770, and whose setting of the Psalms and Hvmn 
tunes comprises a large portion of the "Choristers" Companion," a 
pul)lication extensively used in New England. This music book was 
based on the "Mi, Fa, Sol" system and contained besides the neces- 
sary rules of Psalmody, a variety of plain and fuguing Psalm tunes, 
together with a collection of approved hymns and anthems, many of 
which were never before printed." "The "Cxamut" or Scale of Music, 
is explained, presenting the four parts of music. "Treble, counter, 
tenor and bass," the various "cliffs" noted and examples given, the 
"Moods of time, compound, triple and common" measured, and ex- 
planations given regarding the "Transition or breaking of notes," 
with "Directions for tuning and forming the voice," in these, "Ob- 
serving for imitation the sweet sound of the violin, the soft 
melody of the Hute and the tuneful notes of the nightingale." 
In "(Observations on Singing," says the autlior, "The voices on the 
bass should l)e majestic, deep and solemn : the tenor full, bold and 
manly, the counter loud, clear and lofty, and the treble soft, shrill 
and sonorous. Let the jjieces be set so that all parts may sing with 
ease for which purjtose a pitch ])ipe is very convenient. It would be 
well to raise the hand somewhat slower in the closing note, always 
observing to sound the whole tune of the last heat. A small beat is 
suHicient for all exce])t the leader. All levity, whispering, laug'hing 
or looking about while singing sacred words is al)ominable and ren- 
ders the performance contem]:)tible. These observations may be suf- 
ficent for the young chorister, experience luust teach him the rest." 
The ])opularit\' of this early New England composer and writer, 
William Ijillings, is well established, for it was his paraphrasing 
of the psalms, ])atriotic hymns and tunes that were sung by singing 
schools, choirs, famdies and around camp fires, and it is said that 
"Chester" was the melody played l)y every fifer in the Revolutionary 
War. In the history of the First Congregational Church, from the 



WOODKIRN , c()\ XKCTICUT IO9 

nieetiiii; held in December, 1793, xMajor Thomas Iktll i)resi(lino-, 
when Josiah Judson, Stiles Curtiss, anci Xoah 1'.. Henedict were ap- 
pointed the first choristers, a sum of money was re,G,-ularly "granted 
"To be laid out for the benefit of sin.s^ino-." and musical committees 
were appointed "'I'o expend the said mone}- to the best advantage of 
the society." 

( )n December 7, 1801, nearly one hundred years ag-o, Reuben 
Walker. Moses Clark and Elijah Sherman were the appointed choris- 
ters of the First Cliurch in Wood1)nry. The antique leather covered 
music book owned by Keuben Walker antl later by Erastus Minor, 
contained three hundred pages of p.salms, hymns and anthems, which 
are as perfectly copied in pen and ink as if they had been printed. 
The music is arranged for the different voices and is of as fine a 
quality and dillicult composition as that in use at the present time. 
In the collection are a few selections from Holden, the contemporary 
of Billings, also a writer of "fuguing" music and known as the 
composer of Coronation. 

The children of Reuben Walker gave early evidence of musical 
ability. During the absence ')f their father at church those remain- 
ing at home were required to complete the learning of several tunes 
which he had selected. One of the sons, Joseph Frederick Walker, 
was a leader of the Xorth Church choir for several years. 

During the time when Benjamin Minor held the office of chorister, 
there is evidence in the records of a wish to reserve a special place for 
the choir, for it was voted that the "Titliingmen be directed to see 
that the young men do not occu])>- tlie two seats on the east side of 
the south gallery ; also the two east pews in the south gallery." 

Gilbert Somers Minor, also mentioned as Somers Minor, suc- 
ceeded his father in 1806. lie is remembered as being associated 
with the choir for a number of years and mentioned as having 
charge of the singing school and choir in 1830. His voice is de- 
scribed as being of fine qualit}', resembling the flute. Among his 
descendants is Seth Minor, a resident and musician in Woodbury. 

According to the custom in those days the church was seated by 
age, or "dignified" as it was some times called. A committee was ap- 
pointed for seating the church after it had l)een so dignified, and all 



no THE TOWX AXl) PEOPLE 

persons livinj^- within the Hmits of this society, belonging to other 
denominations, wishing seats, were to be provided by leaving their 
age with the society's committee. 

Anthony C. Strong, whose voice in smoothness, richness, com- 
pass and power, is considered to have been the equal of any singer 
of the present time, was a member of the choir for many years. The 
"Gamut, or Scale of Music," owned by him in 1811, was an antique 
leather coverefl choir book resembling the one previously mentioned. 
It contained several pages of printed music, psalms and hymns, with 
a large number of additional leaves of finely copied selections. These 
were preceded by directions for tuning and forming the voice and 
studying music according to the "Mi. Fa, Sol. La" system, the 
method in which Dea. James H. Linslev, David S. Bull and many 
others were instructed. 

Dea. Marcus D. iMallory and John Strong, Jr., were the appointed 
choristers from 181 2 to 18 15. 

The choir book of tunes used in 1828 by Anthony C. Strong was the 
"Boston Handel and Haydn Society collection of Tsalms and Hymns, 
which included selections from Mozart. Haydn and Beethoven." 
The selection and arrangement of the book was by Lowell Mason, 
and special attention was given to the notation of the time accord- 
ing to Maelzel's Metronome, then a recent invention. 

In the fall of 1828 the society's committee was authorized to em- 
ploy Gilbert S. Minor and Samuel Sherman, each to have the care 
of instructing the singing school and lead the music on the Sabbath, 
during the term of one year. Arrangements were made with Dr. 
Steele for the use of his room for the purpose of singing the ensuing 
Winter. Each person attending the singing meetings was expected 
to provide the necessary light for his own use. This consisted of a 
candle, placed in a candle stick of simple construction and easily 
transported, made by placing three small nails in a piece of board. 
In 1829 one of the expenses of the church was for a candle chest. 

Ralph Ct. Camp, from out of town, was the next instructor and is 
recalled as being very successful in teaching each one to become pro- 
ficent in his own part while singing with others, "independent" 
singers as they were called. Mr. Camp was instructor in singing 
from 1833 to 1836. 



WOODl'.L'RV, t'OXXKCTICUT III 

Thomas D. Alallory, who resided where Mrs. Benjamin RusseU 
now hves. was appointed in 1837 ^^ chorister, which office he re- 
tained for six years. He is well rememhered hy Mr. C. C. Mitchell, 
and spoken of as a rained teacher in the puhlic schools of the town. 
In 183^. while Thomas Mallory was chorister, the church appointed 
a sino-ing committee to make all necessary arrangements, including 
lights, fires, music and musical instruments. "Over fifty years ago," 
says F. Treat Strong, 'T rememljer the music was led hy a liass viol 
plaved hy Nathaniel L. Strong and two flutes, one played hy David 
S. Bull and the other hy James H. Linsley." The choir included 
many young people, and the names which were recalled represent 
those who now are the heads of families in this and other churches 
of the town. During the year 1840 Xehemiah C. Briggs, of a musi- 
cal family, assisted Mr. Mallory in leading the music. 

John E. Strong and Merrit Piatt became the choristers in 1844, 
and were in charge of the nuisic at the close of the pastorate of 
Rev. S. R. Andrews, and at the ordination of his successor Rev. 
Lucius O. Curtis in 1846. 

In 1847 J. P. Webster the composer of "Sweet By and By,'" was 
instructor of music in the choir. Miss Margaret Olcott says of him : 
"As I recall him he seemed all music and poetry. He excelled in the 
first, and to quote his own words, if he had had an education, would 
have succeeded in that line. He was very sensitive to criticism and 
inclined to despondency. Some years ago we entertained during a 
convention a gentleman from Minneapolis. One morning he sat 
down to the piano and began to sing one of Mr. Webster's com- 
positions. I recognized it as having heard him sing it. The gen- 
tleman then told of a little incident that occurred in his town. A 
company was practicing for a concert, "The Old Man's Dream." 
They did not sing it to satisfy their leader, who was becoming quite 
impatient, when a shabbily dressed man who was in the back seat of 
the Opera House stepped forward and said he would sing that for 
them. His first impulse was to turn him out, but finally handed him 
the music and told him to sing it. He refused the music and sang 
the first verse ; they were dumb with astonishment. He then taught 
them how to sing it. T can think iust how he would have sung it. 



112 TlfK 'POWX AXl) I'Kol'U': 

His pieces were rather plaintive. "The Lainl of Sunset," "Green 
Hills of Allei^hany," "( )h. How I Love My Mountain Home," 
"Spare the ( )1(1 Homestead," and the "( )ld ?\Ian's Dream" are 
amonq' those J have of his com])osing. I shall never forg'et his son^^, 
"Tread Lightly," as sung h)- my sister Sarah, Maria Marvin. Wil- 
liam Cogswell and J. P. W'ehster. There are others in Woodhury 
who were acquainted with him in a musical line — Mrs. Emily Sher- 
man and Mrs. Emily lienham, memhers of the Glee Clulx" 

The choir meetings in 1849 were held on Sundav evening and 
were fully attended l)y tlie memhers and others who chose to do so. 
During the intermission secular music was practiced. The inap- 
proiiriateness impresses us now, Init in those days the Sahhath com- 
menced on Saturday e\'ening when the church hell rang for the 
])eople to cease lahor, and ended on Sun(la\' at sunset. 

In 1850 Ph.ilo M. Trowhridge was ap])ointed chorister and con- 
tinued as leader for twent\- years. In that time he held the othce 
of Deacon, Superintendent of Sundav School, Instructor of Singing 
in all of the Sundav Schools, and Acting A^isitor of the I'uhlic 
Schools of the town. 

For a while after his ajipointment the church orchestra continued 
to lead the music, Mr. Trowhridge plaxing second violin. Then, in 
addition to the usual arrangements for vocal and instrumental music, 
a committee was appointed to procure a good melodeon. The 
chorister was well (jualified for his position, having studied music in 
Boston, and was ably assisted by his wife, Mrs. I'. iM. Trowbridge, 
who had been a music teacher and was skilled in playing the melo- 
deon, reading and singing at sight, the music, often classical, re- 
quired for the church services. The esteemed pastors of the First 
Church during this period were Rev. Robert G. Williams, 1855-1857; 
Rev. Charles E. Robinson, 1862-1864: Rev. Charles Little. 1865- 
1867, and Rev. Horace Winslow, i868-i86(). 

Miss Katherine W. Woodruff was apjiointed or.ganist of the 
church, and was chosen to fill that position for several succeeding 
years. 

In 1869 Rev. Gurdon W. Noyes was invited to become the pastor 
of the First Congregational Church and in 1870 Deacon James H. 



WOODBURY, COXNM^CTICUT I 13 

Linsley became the chorister. Possessing- a genial and gracious 
presence, gifted with voice of wondrous melody, compass and power, 
progressive in all affairs of the church and town, of refined taste 
and most excellent judgment in business matters. Deacon J. H. 
Linsley has lived for more than half a century an honored Christian 
life, of inestimable value to the church with whose history he was 
closely connected, to the town and surrounding locality. He was a 
member of the choir for sixty-one years, the leader during sixteen 
years, deacon of the church for thirty-three years, and sujierintendent 
of the Sunday school for sixteen years. He sang in the choir until 
the second Sunday previous to his decease. Shortly after his ap- 
pointment as chorister, the church decided to procure a new pipe 
organ, and the fine organ now in use was selected by him at the firm 
of Hook cK: Hastings in Boston and placed in the church in July, 
1873. 

In December, 1873, W. H. Gordon received the appointment as 
organist, continuing for three years, when he was succeeded Ijy Dr. 
M. S. Page, who held the position for several years. Mrs. W. E. 
Wells was appointed organist, kindly assisting in the music of the 
choir. 

In 1886 Nathaniel M. Strong, son of Nathaniel L.. and grandson 
of Anthony C. Strong, was appointed chorister. He has been a 
member of the chon- during forty years, and is well known as a 
baritone singer of much cultivation, a successful conductor of the 
music of the choir and musical director of several concerts. Under 
his management the choir has attained a high degree of proficiency 
and from its members, many of whom are trained singers, several 
glee clubs have been organized who have furnished delightful music 
on many public and patriotic occasions. Mr. H. W. lieecher, a cul- 
tured tenor singer in the choir, was the appointed organist for many 
years. 

Rev. A. P. Powelson, pastor of the church from 1883-1887, was 
succeeded by Rev. J. A. Freeman, the present pastor, who was in- 
stalled in May. 1890. 

The societv authorized the removal of the organ in 1897 from its 
location in the gallerv to the place which it now occupies in the 



I 14 Tlllv lOW X AXl) PEOPLE 

alcove back of the pulpit. Miss Daisy Stiles, the present ors^anist, 
has made music her stud}- (hiring- a numl)er of years, and has occu- 
pied the position most acceptably for the past three years. 

In the minds and hearts of all who have been associated with the 
nnisic of this church durinq- its whole history, there has been one 
purpose and endeavor, to offer in the sanctuary the best music of the 
time and the most perfect interpretation. To accomplish this, all 
have devoted thoui^ht, effort and means, making use of all possible 
advantages in vocal training and study of technique. 

Music may express in melody, words of prayer and praise, and 
it also has the power of rising far above any human speech, using 
this merely as a foundation for a more glorious offering. There are 
many ways in which the voice of God speaks to the hearts of men, 
not aldue through the pulpit and the words of the preacher. To 
those who rebel under this influence, the voice of song has carried 
the message. The chorus possess a mighty power to uplift the soul. 
\\ hen the twilight falls, the darkness deepens and the dav is draw- 
ing to its close, "He, watching over Israel slumbers not nor sleeps," 
brings calmness and trust to the waiting congregation appropriately 
leading to the benediction of Divine peace. 

WooDP.uRY. Conn. Julia Minor Strong. 

April 7, 1891. — The people of Woodl)ury have an interest in the 
glory and fame of the grand hero. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, 
beyond that of any other citizen of the country, arising from the fact 
that he was a descendant of Woodbury stock in the parental line of 
his ancestry. He was of the famous Sherman blood which fur- 
nished Roger Sherman, "signer of the Declaration of Independence," 
coming down from the three eminent men, Hon. Samuel Sherman, 
Rev John, his brother, and Capt. John, his first cousin, who emi- 
grated from Dedham, Essex County, England, arriving at Water- 
town, Mass., in 1634. Rev. John and Capt. John settled at Water- 
town and Samuel at Stratford, Conn., whence his son, Capt. John, 
emigrated to W^oodbury with the first settlers in 1672. The de- 
scendants of these in all the succeeding years have been among the 
leading and honored men of the nation. Of this blood and closely 



wooni'.UKv, CONNECTICUT 115 

related to Gen. Sherman during his hfe were Senator Evarts of 
New York, Senator Hoar of Massachusetts, Hon. Simeon E. Bald- 
win and Prof. Thatcher of New Haven, and Hon. Chaunce.y Mitchell 
Depew of New York, who is of Woodbury descent, both in the Sher- 
man and Mitchell line. Gen. Sherman was the great-grandson of 
Judge Daniel Sherman, who was a contemporary of "Rodger, the 
Signer." judge Sherman, who was a member of the Committee of 
Safety all through the Revolutionary War, a Justice of the Quorum 
25 years. County Court Judge, Judge of Probate, Member of General 
Assembly, during two years occupied the Speaker's chair, and a mem- 
ber of the State Convention to ratify the Constitution of the United 
State. Gen. Sherman was also a great-grandson of Rev. Anthony 
Stoddard, the second pastor of the First Church, and his name ap- 
pears on the presentation tablet of the father's monument as a con- 
tributor toward its expense. He was also descended from Hon. 
Wm. Preston, the first Judge of County Court for Litchfield County. 
Being thus descended from many of the early prominent Woodbury 
families its people may well cherish an honest pride in his magnifi- 
cent achievements. Gen. Grant, his best and nearest friend, was also 
of Woodbury descent, in the female line, being the sixth in descent 
from Grace Minor, the daughter of Capt. John Minor, leading 
founder of Ancient W^oodbury, who was married to Samuel Grant, 
Jr., grandson of Deacon Matthew Grant of Windsor, Conn., April 
II, 1688. The ashes of Capt. John Minor, who was also a deacon, 
and the first deacon, John Sherman, lie near each other in our ancient 
cemetery. They were also close friends in life, as were their de- 
scendants. Gen. Grant and Gen. Sherman. The people of Connecti- 
cut will never forget that in the closing year of our Civil War, when 
the final grapple came on, we had Grant before Richmond, Sherman 
in the Southwest, and Terry in the Southeast, working at the rebels, 
trunk and giant limbs, while officers and men were in their best 
fighting trim. As they look on the struggle they recall with pardon- 
able pride the fact that these three soldiers. Grant, Sherman and 
Terry, who had become the supreme hope of the nation in its hour 
of agonv, had sprung from a long line of ancestors who were bom 
on the soil and trained in the schools of Connecticut, and old Wood- 



Il6 THE TOWX AND PEOPLE 

bury had the proud satisfaction of having- furnished the Hneage of 
two of them, Grant and Sherman. 

In April, 1887, Gen. Sherman and his brother. Senator John Sher- 
man of Ohio, paid a visit to tlie writer for the especial purpose of 
having" shown to them the ancient dwellings and g-raves of their 
ancestors. This was done to their great satisfaction. Mayor 
Boug-hton, of Waterbury, gave them an invitation to stop one day to 
visit the manufacturmg estal)lishments of the city. This the\- were 
unable to do for the reason stated in the following card : 

"To Hon. Henry 1. Boughton, Mayor: 

"My Dear Sir : — We have received your kind note and thank you for the 
proffered courtesy. We are on a visit to Ancient Woodbury and its historian 
Mr. Colhren. Are limited to time and will be unable to visit the establish- 
ments of your Ijusy city. We are the more obliged to you for meeting us at 
the depot, conducting us to our hotel and tendering the hospitality of Wa- 
terbury. 

"With great respect, 

"W. T. Shkrman, General. 

"John Sherm.xn." 

Since that date, though General Sherman has l)een on the retired 
list of the army, he has occupied the foremost position in the eyes of 
the nation. 

Woodbury, Coxx. Wnjj.\:\[ CoTitKEx. 



wooDurm , CON xi-X'Ticr'i' 



ir 




Il8 THE TOWN AXl) 1'KOPl.E 

April 8, 1901. — While reviewing the many historical events with 
which this ancient town is still luminous and considering its 
picturesque hills and valleys with their windng streams, a shadow 
falls athwart them all as a glow of memory lights up a snowy range 
of the Alps in far away Switzerland. 

Lake Geneva. 

••Dimpling to each touch of sunshine," lies hundreds of feet helow, 
its hlue expanse studded with sails, tishermen in artistic costume 
starting out with their nets, a gaily canopied skiff floating the stars 
and stripes in intricate confusion of mast and sail, clear reflection 
and rippling surface. Hotels, cathedrals and tiny cottages seem to 
have perched themselves capriciously on the mountainous heights 
with an occasional peasant posing in the foreground in hrilliant 
bodice and quaintly knotted headgear. 

The crowning glory of all is Mt. Blanc, which at the southeast 
rises more than 15,000 feet, and although 37 miles distant is some- 
times reflected in the lake. Whoever is so fortunate as to see its 
spectral whiteness thus mirrored can but exclaim with Tennyson: 
•'Would that my tongue could utter, the thoughts that arise in 
me." A most fascinating feature of this lake is the massive castle 
of Chillon as it looms up full of the romance of history and song. 
Its dozen or more square and round richly embellished towers of 
pinkish gray stone, with conical roofs and spires are exceedingly 
ornamental. The castle stands on an isolated rock surrounded 
In water 1,000 feet in depth and is reached Iw a covered bridge. 
Shadowy tragedies crowd around it. Here the tide of battle waged 
in ages past, and many a life went out in the dungeons below. The 
pillar and ring to which Bonivard was chained for six years, by order 
of the King of Savoy, is still shown. 

A luxuriant vine literally covered with miniature roses looked in 
at the window of the highest tower, a branch of which presented 
us with the purple and white lilac has ever since been a connecting 
link between this delightful spot and our own New England. 

It was a beautiful hour and place. Day was deepening into 
twilight, the setting sun tinting the distant summits sank to rest be- 
neath a gorgeous drapery of scarlet and gold, the lake was aflame 
with its radiance, as if 



WOODBURY, COXNliCTICUT 1 19 

"The sunset stooped to make 
Double sunset in the lake." 

Little fishing boats came into the picture, snatches of song floated 
over the water. At the east above tlie Alpine peaks and pinnacles, a 
fitting background for all this loveliness, the full moon rose in ma- 
jestic splendor, the boat moored to the castle bridge, rocked lazily 
back and forth, the waves splashed with a saddening cadence against 
the base of the castle, the lights in the little village near twinkled like 
stars, and the dark wing of regret hovered over us as the iron horse 
came shrieking into the Chillon station, compelling us to take a final 
look at this enchanting scene and turn our faces toward the vine- 
yards of France. 

I^ixE Hill, Woodislrv, Coxx. Sara M. Judsox. 



April 9. 1895.- 



Mysterious round that power divine, 
Has led us these long fifty years ; 

'Tis by God's grace we've called it mine. 
Sweet solace 'mid life cares and fears. 

The youth of fifty years gone by. 

That graced our wedding feast that day, 
But seven now left 'neath golden sky. 

All now are gone to endless day. 

A wedded pair were left alone. 

Of all that day we loved most dear. 

Could grateful hearts for this atone 
We'd I)ring out richest tribute here. 

Our skies were fair, our prospects bright. 

In heart and hand we've both agreed. 
Good health and strength made labor l)right, 

God thus supplied our every need. 

The day school. Sunday school and cluirch, 
Our fondest memories center there. 

These pupils, oft we meet them now. 
And thus recall past scenes most dear. 



I20 THE TOWX AND PEOPLE 

The six and forty years gone by, 

The Savior called us to his breast, 
May Christian faith be ever nigh ; 

E'en when we're laid away to rest. 

•We're glad, kind friends, you've come to-day, 
For friendship's tie must e'er be strong ; 

In Christian hope we'll work, we'll pray. 
Till joined in everlasting song. 

Woodbury, Conn. D. C. Somers. 

Aj'Kil 12, 1879. — Thank Ck^d there is niany a minister of all sects 
that brings the practical matter of temperance in at almost or quite 
every sermon. If not in so many words, at least in very plain con- 
nection so that it is understood. Such men are most of our Metho- 
dist pastors and such preachers as Dr. Cuyler and Dr. Tyng-. 

The fact is, these things seem different in the light of eternity. It 
is good to be always zealous in a good cause, and if any seem too 
enthusiastic now, they will not appear so when either they or we 
approach the next world. 

WOODBTRY, Cow. SuSAN T. AbERNETIIY. 

April 13, 1901. — The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of 
Woodbury was organized March 30th, 1876, by Mrs. M. A. Stone of 
New Milford, \'ice- President of Litchfield County, under the follow- 
ing pledge : We, the imdersigned, do agree that we will not use in- 
toxicating liquors as a beverage nor traffic in them, that we will not 
provide them as an article of entertainment or for persons in our em- 
ployment, and that in all suitable ways we will discountenance their 
use in the comnuinity. 

Mrs. Giles Minor accepted the first presidency, succeeded by Mrs. 
Barlow Russell the following year, who was faithful to her trust till 
1882, when failing health compelled her to resign, and she was called 
to her rest and reward at the ripe age of y},, August, 1894. Mrs. 
Harriet Xewel Hall Galpin was next chosen September, 1882, serv- 
ing nine years, followed in 1892 by Mrs. Henry Dawson until 1897, 
when for lack of physical strength she could not consent to retain 



WOODIU'RV, COXXECTICUT 121 

the office, and was succeeded by Mrs. Frank Dawson our last presi- 
dent. Under the supervision of the \V. C. T. U. the "Band of 
Hope" was organized in 1878 and about this time a reading room 
was started, as well as the buying out and permanently closing up 
a liquor saloon in Hotchkissville. A "Reform Club" was also or- 
ganized then, the result of the labor of Lawyer Graves of Litchfield, 
who for 23 years had been a confirmed drunkard. 

In January, 1879, the clergy held union meetings in the North 
and South Chapels the same day and the pastors took the ground 
that if Christians would be committed to total abstinence everywhere 
the traffic in liquor would cease. Within four years 24 lectures and 
addresses, which touched upon various points in the temperance field, 
showing good work done in each, were delivered and wth the ex- 
ception of two years the town has since voted "No license." Mrs. 
FitzGerald of Bridgeport in 1892 organized a branch of the "Loyal 
Legion," and 40 names took the triple pledge against profanity, 
rum and tobacco. A Flower Mission was formed by the young 
ladies whose generous donations of sweet blossoms with scripture 
texts attached, brought joy to many a shut-in. "The Loyal Legion" 
ran well for a time, but was disbanded for want of a leader. 

Free-Will Offerings have been annually made in addition to our 
regular work; also funds sent to the "Temperance Hospital" and 
"Temple" at Chicago and given to "Fair Work" to scatter temper- 
ance literature, thus sowing, as we humbly hope, seed that will spring 
up and bear fruit notwithstanding the defects of the w^ork. This was 
ever the sentiment of our "White Ribbon" comrade, Mrs. Susan 
T. Abernethy, who was among our earliest workers (at one time 
State president ) and from the organization served as secretary of the 
Union until August, 1892, when she resigned the office, but she nobly 
kept her hand on the helm through much discouragement and under 
great difficulties. Through her efforts many of our national workers 
were secured and entertained by her. Her voice and pen were never 
idle when she could in any way help the cause which lay so close to 
her heart. She brought Miss Frances E. Willard (later our national 
president ) to her home, who gave in the North Church a fine address 
which might be called "The War of Women upon Liquor." 



122 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

With Mrs. A. it was not, "Are you working my way for temper- 
ance?" but, are you conscientiously, prayerfully and definitely work- 
ing some way to reform the drunkard, to abolish the saloon, to edu- 
cate the children ; in a word to make the world a cleaner, quieter, hap- 
pier place to live in ? After a short illness she was called to leave the 
ranks of the "White Ribbons" on earth to join the band of comrades 
on the other side April lo, 1892, aged 70 years and 7 months. Thus 
passed from us this excellent woman, an untiring worker in the 
Master's Vinevard and an unyielding warrior for total abstinence 
from intoxicants. 

Woodbury, Conn. Weai.thv R. Allen, 

Rcc. Scc'y IV. C. T. U. 

Ai'KiL 14, 1873. — Lines from a poem written for the Biennial Cele- 
bration of C)renaug Lodge, Woodbury : 

Brothers ! we shall not strive in vain, 
Ahhough some lives still bear the stain; 
For each faithful good endeavor 
Is God's strong and mighty lever, 
Lifting up the one that's doing. 
Thus we reap what we are sowing : 
Losing self for one another. 
Follow thus our Elder Brother. 

Woodbury, Conn. Seth Holuster. 

April 17, 1890. — There is a literary treasure, an ancient Bible 
printed one hundred and sixty-two years ago. This valuable an- 
tiquated edition of the Holy I'.ible may be seen at the library of Mrs. 
Dr. Harvey. 

On the title page we find "Printed by His Majesty's special com- 
mand. Appointed to be read in churches Edinburgh. Printed by James 
Watson, printer to King's most excellent Majesty, MDCCXU." 
The volume contains the family records from 1726. It shows the 
record of the birth of Susannah Mitcheh, born in 1752. The eldest 
daughter of the family of each generation since that time have the 
name of Susannah, Mrs. Llarvey represcnthig the fourth. Liclosed 



WUUDDURV, CUXXKCTICLT I23 

in this Bible when sent from the east was the funeral sermon of Rev. 
Dr. Joseph Bellamy, printed in old style English in ordinary pamphlet 
form and in a good state of preservation. It may be a matter of in- 
terest to Congregationalists to know that Dr. Bellamy was one of 
the pioneer clergymen of that denomination and an eminent divine, 
born in Connecticut in 17 19, graduated at Yale in 1735. ordained in 
Bethlehem in 1740, died in 1790. aged 71 years. The document con- 
taining his funeral sermon is therefore nearly one hundred year? old. 
Published in Stockton Mail, California. John H. Allen. 

April 24, i860. — The society and people of the North Congre- 
gational Church gathered at the house of their pastor, Rev. John 
Churchill, to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of his ministry and 
to present him with a purse of gold. 

Dea. Truman Judson called the gathering to order and made a 
few appropriate remarks alluding to the long existing relations, 
mutual and pleasant to both pastor and people. 

Wm. C. Cogswell was called to the chair and followed with re- 
marks congratulatory. The chair then called upon A. W. Mitchell, 
Esq., to make the presentation address, which was replied to by Rev. 
Mr. Churchill. Mr. Mitchell, after the preliminary congratulations, 
gave a sketch of the pastor's labors during his twenty years minis- 
trv, the blessed fruits of which were visible in the gathering there 
met to express their appreciation and gratitude. In behalf of the con- 
gregation, the speaker presented the reverend host with a purse con- 
taining one hundred dollars in gold as a token of their regard. Upon 
receiving the purse Rev. Air. Churchill gave expression to his thank- 
fulness in a most heartfelt manner, saying whatever merits he pos- 
sessed, if he had been successful in his lal)ors, it was attributed under 
God quite as much to the co-operation of the parish as to himself. 
A song followed, led by Mr. Frederick Walker. Mr. Chauncey 
Somers and others. 

The following resolutions were offered by the chair : 

Resolved. That we have cause for gratitude to God that we, as a parish, 
are permitted to celebrate the fvvientieth anniversary of our pastor's minsistry. 



124 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

To which Dea. Nathaniel Minor, one of the fathers of the church, 
responded in a happy and appropriate manner. He congratulated 
the audience that they were permitted to witness the occasion and to 
participate in the golden wedding, for, said he, we have come not to 
sunder ties, but to make them still stronger. He proceeded in touch- 
ing allusions to the past history of the church and society and its 
present harmonious and prosperous state. 

Resolved. That in behalf of this assembly our pastor's continuance with us 
for so long a time is truly a matter of devout thankfulness to God and great 
satisfaction to us. 

Mr. J. G. Minor responded in a very happy manner. 

Resolved. That whereas, the relation of pastor to this people has continued 
for so long a time in unbroken harmony, it is our hope and prayer that it may 
long be perpetuated. "Ties of time a day can sever, but the ties of spirit 
never." 

To this resolution a gratifying and appropriate response was made 
by Gideon HoUister, the venerable father of the historian of Con- 
necticut, and long a respected and valued member of the church. 

The chair announced that the services would close to give all 
present an opportunity to partake of the refreshments furnished in 
great alnmdance by the society. The table was burdened with one 
hundred loaves of fine cake, ornamented with wreaths of evergreens, 
and fiowers and fruits were in abundance. The whole evening 
passed j^leasantly, all leaving with good wishes and happy hearts. 
The whole affair was decidedly successful and long to be remem- 
bered by all who were present. — Corrcscpoiidciicc of JJ\itcrbiiry 
American. 

WOOD15URY, Conn. As.mtel W. Mitchell. Sr. 

April 25, 1855. — When eleven years old, I was a busy, happy 
little girl, my time fully occupied with school, making patches, play- 
ing with mv niates. Serenely I made my mud pies and kept house 
with beautiful broken dishes. My father at that time was pastor 
of the Congregational Church at Durham Centre and I supposed of 
course I should live and die right there. 



WOODBUKV, CONXKCTICUT 1 25 

Like a thunderbolt came the word to me that we were to go to 
Woodbur}-. I did not want to go, I hated to hear even the name, 
and as for the men who had persuaded my father to make the change, 
why, they were perfect ogres. I didn't even think of them as 
civihzed human beings. I knew I should never be happy again, 
and even now, there is a feeling of pity for the poor little thing who 
went about with so sad a heart. No one seemed to think of the 
child huddled in the corner of the pew, that last sad Sunday when 
my father preached his farewell sermon. I can see him now. and 
hear his voice as he said : "Fear not. little flock, for it is your Father's 
good pleasure to give you the kingdom." It was a mystery to me 
that he could preach. "XMiy does he not cry," I thought, as I shiv- 
ered to myself, hoping no one would notice the tears that kept filling 
my eyes. 

The good-bves were said, and we ofi: over the country to Wood- 
bury. And what a ride that was for the sorrowful little one. 

Fortunately the troubles of childhood soon pass — though with me 
there was good reason. It did not take long to learn that there were 
just as dear little boys and girls in Woodbury to play with, and that 
I could be as happy as in the old home. 

How often a child will sufifer without those about them being 
conscious of the fact. I soon had two terrible trials, the result of 
the new home. 1 heard my elders talking about the examination of 
my father before the ordination. I did 'not exactly know what it 
meant, but supposed it was something like school work. I was in 
terror least some question should be asked that could not be 
answered, supposing of course he would be forbidden to preach in 
Woodbury, if not then and there put out of the ministry. How 
many times I pictured our disgrace at his iiiissing and we having to 
leave town. I kiic-u' they would ask the hardest questions they could 
possibly find and on every conceivable subject. 

My other trial was facing the Academy — that then stood near the 
Town Hall and opposite the church — so full of strange faces. A 
fearful ordeal, for I was pretty shy in those far away days. How 
well I remember my first seatmate. and her kindness to the little 
stranger, and the teachers, one and all. for one would leave and 



126 THE TOWN AXD PEOPLE 

another take his place till I could claim the efforts of several of 
those who taus^ht the "young- ideas how to shoot." And indeed I 
thmk my ideas must have gone shooting in every direction. 

Da}^ by day, month by month, my love for Woodbury grew. How 
proud was I to have our friends visit us and see for themselves the 
beautiful town. I knew they must be sorry to leave so attractive 
a place. I have often wondered if any one ever did feel towards 
Woodbury the strong, sacred love I have always had from a child. 
I was glad I lived just to have my home there. 

One of the most attractive spots, to this day, is the range of rocks 
back of the south part of town. We had no parsonage in my day, 
and our house was nearly opposite the Episcopal Church, just at the 
foot of the hill whose crowning joy is these same rocks. It was my 
perfect delight to go to what is now the "Singing Rock," though 
then we did not have the beautiful entrance that now makes it so at- 
tractive. I think it must have been more of a resort, for hardlv a 
pleasant Summer night passed without a party being heard, as well 
as seen, from our yard. How sweet the singing sounded so far 
above us. Would that some photographer could reproduce the 
vision of loveliness that there greets the eye. That great sweep of 
charming landscape west, south, north. How often have I seen it 
at sunset with beautiful cloud eft'ects and dainty after-glow. Thank- 
ful have I always been that when my father left Woodbury I was 
away at school. My sorrow was great, but would have been the 
keener had I gone from there knowing it was my home no longer. 

I love the old landmarks, I love the new, I love everything con- 
nected with the town ; even the very name is sacred to me. I have 
seen snow-capped mountains, but they are not as dear to me as the 
hills about Woodbury. I have been in wonderful valleys, have seen 
our own "Ice-rivers" and those of Switzerland, have enjoyed tropical 
countries as well as the cold of Alaska, but none of it all can lessen 
the charms of the dear old New England town — Woodbury. 

Mrs. T- C. I'al'lsox (A.meli.\ E. Willia.ms). 



WOODBURY, CONNKCTICIT 12/ 

April 28, 1895. — ^^ ^"^ business in the manufacture of cutlery 
was done at this time by Hilton dt Dunworth at F. R. Ford's shop 
in North Woodbury. Mr. John Hilton, a thoroughly comi)etent 
maker of fine articles in this line of industry, began the business the 
year previous. After a few months he took a partner, his brother- 
in-law, Mr. Dunworth of Bridgeport, a gentleman of much experi- 
ence. Their goods were always in demand in the New York mar- 
ket, often competing with the best English manufacturers. They 
were makers of fifty varieties of knives. The increasing business 
was transferred to Hotchkissville, and Mr. Dunworth retiring, Mr. 
Curlev of Xew York becoming- a partner. The firm has a well estab- 
Hshed reputation as manufacturers of the best cutlery. — IVoodhnry 
Reporter. 



MAY. 

May I, 1900.— All that God is and does is beautiful. In Him 
all beauty is summed up. It has been well said that "beauty is as 
much a quality of divinity as righteousness." Righteousness, we 
know somewhat of the obligation to be righteous. It has been 
preached eloquently and untiringly from pulpits always, from Sun- 
day school teachers, from Christian friends, from the condition of 
the world itself we learn constantly and over and over again that 
we should be righteous. Strict and stern morality, honor and jus- 
tice in dealing with others, and purity and uprightness in personal 
life, in short a tine righteousness has been declared to us not only 
as a duty, but also as a great and noble thing to strive for. lUit 
the obligation to be beautiful has not always been so preached. In a 
world of beauty made by a God of beauty, we have often looked at 
beauty with a little doubt and distrust, as being hardly right for 
Christians to pursue, or if not that, at any rate we have not sufficiently 
felt its obligation resting upon us. Even when we have felt our 
hearts hungry for beauty we have felt that the hunger was to be 
satisfied from without rather than from within. We have sur- 
rounded ourselves in our homes with objects of beauty so far as 
our state of culture told us what was beautiful and our purses per- 
mitted us to buy, and even then have not always felt the obliga- 
tion to be beautiful within. We must do right, of course. But, oh! 
how stern and forbidding, if not actually hard and cruel, has that 
effort after righteousness made some men. 

The line of right conduct by many has not been associated at all 
with the line of beauty, and yet, "beauty in visible structure and 
form is righteousness in structure and form," and, looking from the 
other side, righteousness should appear as beauty. Nothing can be 
perfectly beautiful that is not perfectly right and that which is right 
is reallv, though we mav not alwavs see it, the onlv beautiful thing 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 



129 



in tlie universe. We owe the world sometliino- more than mere Hv- 
ins;-. we owe it right Hving-. And we owe it even more than that, we 
owe it a hfe which is lieautiful, radiantly l)eautiful in its righteous- 
ness. The way l)eautiful is God's way of working, and we can 
grow into God's likeness only when we are striving for perfectness, 
like Him seek heauty. Beautiful living is the finest of all fine arts, 
rias any one of us ever felt the passionate desire to be an artist, to 
be a creator of the beautiful in painting, music or verse? We may 
each one be artists of the beautiful by cultivating beautiful living. 
Thus striving to live beautifully, we may press on "till we all at- 
tain unto a full grown man, unto the measure of the stature of the 
fulhiess of Christ."— £.r/rflc^ from a sermon on "The Divine Art of 
Living Beantifnl." Text, Ephesians, 4:13. 

Boston. Mass. Winfred Chesney Rhoades, 

CoIleai:^ue Pastor Eliot Congregational Chnrch. 




strong s block. 



130 THE TOWN^ AXD PEOPLE 

May 7, 1900. — In passino- through the upper part of ^lain Street 
the attention of the traveler is attracted to a fine park with smooth 
turf, shaded l)y trees, and ornamented with beds of foHa.q-e. On 
one side is the Methodist Episcopal Church and on another is 
Strong's block, which stands at the meeting of four main roads in 
the town. 

In 1875 Willis A Strong, who had previously been engaged in 
business in the Hollow store and in the building on the opposite 
corner, purchased this site and constructed a large building for con- 
ducting business. On May 7. 1876, the firm composed of Willis A. 
and Nathaniel M. Strong established a drug and hardware store, 
which has continued with uninterrupted prosperity during a quarter 
of a century. After a few years in partnership the senior member 
of the firm retired from business, and his associate, N. M. Strong, 
who had charge of the pharmaceutical department, became owner 
and proprietor. Constant additions have been made to the stock 
and to the facilities for conducting the business. A handsome 
twentieth century soda fountain dispenses all the cooling fruit 
syru])s in their season. The ])rescription department is in the care 
of experienced licensed druggists, Henry H. Canfield, who has 
been associated with the business for the past ten years, being head 
clerk. Dr. H. S. Karrmann's office is located in this block. He is 
devoted to his Ijusiness, has an extensive ]:)ractice, and a well es- 
tablished reputation as a successful physician, not alone in the im- 
mediate vicinity but also in the various towns of Litchfield County 
and Western Connecticut. 

"The Woodbury Reporter," our valuable local paper, in its early 
history, was located in this building, and while here became firmly 
established. Dr. C. F. Boutwell, dentist, now a resident of South 
Norwalk, at one time occupied rooms in this l)lock. Mrs. C. F. 
Boutwell is well remembered as a gifted musician and member of 
the North Church choir. The block was extended to the east and 
a large store fitted for conducting an extensive boot and shoe busi- 
ness. William J. Wells and his son, William E. Wells, who have been 
located here for twenty-two years, are among the leading dealers 
in these goods in this valley. The north section is occupied by the 
tonsorial artist, Alexander Randolph, who has the patronage of many 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT I3I 

customers. He has had many years of experience, and Intt few 
are as well fitted to meet the requirements of his profession. The 
third fioor of the main building contains a hall well adapted for 
societies and social gatherings. The United Order of American 
Mechanics, Ancient Order of Foresters and the Grange are flourish- 
ing Orders and hold regular meetings. 

There are many dairy farms ; also a creamery in Woodbury, 
where the most delicious cream can be procured, and there are 
numerous poultry yards that can furnish the freshest of eggs. Ice 
cream composed of these ingredients, no others being allowed in 
the making, can be procured at the ice cream rooms in Strong's 
block during the Summer season. 

May 8, 1900. — One of the time honored institutions of Wood- 
bury is the ancient watering trough located on Main Street near 
the Gordon tannery, and it has been a boon to man and beast for 
many generations. Always there could be found the cold sparkling 
water, until the years 1899 and 1900, during the drouth, when for a 
short time the water was unavailable. 

The first trough hewn out of a log, stood east and west, run- 
ning out from Gordon's tanyard. In 1853 it was placed parallel 
with Main Street. In 1893 a new trough was built, which is the 
one in use at the present time. 

Strangers, who visit old Woodbury, will find refreshing draughts 
at the old watering trough, for the cold sparkling water will send 
the weary traveller much refreshed on his way. 

Woodbury, Conn. Mrs. Alexander Gordon. 

May 9, 1895. — D^rhig the early part of this month the books be- 
longing to the Woodbury Library Association were removed from 
their previous location in the Woodbury Drug Store to the room in 
the I'own Hall formerly occupied by the First Congregational 
Society for religious services. The books, numbering about five 
hundred volumes, were rebound and the library room opened for 
free distribution on each succeeding Wednesday in the afternoon 
and evening. The collection has increased in number and value 
under the efficient management of E. S. Boyd. Librarian. 



13-^ 



THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 




WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT I33 

INTay 12, 1900. — On Main Street, north from Strong-'s block, is 
a large building- especially designed for a hardware and plumbing 
establishment. It was built in May, igoo, by F. T. and N. M. 
Strong-, the present owners. The building- is firmly constructed, 
ample in dimensions, finished in the interior in natural wood and 
fitted with an elevator. W. H. Munson, owner and proprietor of 
the business, has an extensive stock of goods in the various depart- 
ments, including- builders" hardware, agricultural implements, steam 
and hot water heating- and pluml)ing-. He is an experienced business 
manager, and has with him those who are trained and competent 
workmen in every branch of this business. 

The Xorth Woodbury post office was transferred from its former 
location to this building- in April, 1901, W. H. Munson being ap- 
pointed postmaster. 

May 15, 1878. — In ye olden times before the day when the 'Ville 
was baptized by its present cognomen, when houses and people were 
few in this region of Ancient Woodbury, a new road was con- 
structed which changed the whole face of the country from Wee- 
keepeemee down to the bridge at Allen and Morris. Our ancestors 
objected to paying toll for roads under the name of turnpike, which 
charged the traveller at the gates. In order to make the desired 
change the residents of North Woodbury and Bethlehem took up 
the enterprise in such numbers that the road running through the 
'Ville was built in a day. The new route changed the current of 
travel to the east side of the river, where the factories and mills are 
situated at the present time. The grist mill and saw mill were all 
that the people considered necessary, and when the fulling mill was 
added, the luxury of clothing of a superior kind was to be obtained, 
and the spinning wheel and loom were discarded. 

The whole travel from Weekeepeemee and Carmel Hill was on the 
west side of the river, down by the Rodger's place, through West Side 
to the old Meeting House on lower Main Street. The new road 
opened a shorter route to the same place. The district now known 
as the '\ ille remained almost stationery as to business and popula- 
tion until after Ancient Woodburv was cut and carved into the 



134 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

sister towns on our borders. The Cramer house was the only re- 
maining- one on the east side of Main Street. 

The mill, which formerly stood in the place of the lower mill, was 
built by a company having capital and credit. An agent took charge 
of the business and the profits were found satisfactory to the stock- 
holders. This factory was destroyed by fire. Then W. B. Hotch- 
kiss and Seneca Loomis took hold of the business and built the 
present factory. They built the store and carried on a trade in 
dry goods and groceries in connection with the manufacture of 
broadcloth in the new mill. The firm kept pace and prospered with 
the other woolen mills in the 'Ville until a change came in owner- 
ship and the order of the manufactory. After J. and R. H. Hotch- 
kiss declined business their factory was occupied by the Plymouth 
Shear Company, composed of Woodbury men, who manufactured 
shears for the company. These were sknled workmen. The profits 
remained in the concern during its existence, and at the closing up 
some of the workmen were entitled to a sum far beyond their ex- 
pectations, which laid the foundation for more than one future 
home. 

After the decline of the shear business, the factory was in the 
hands of the Union Woolen Company, a joint stock corporation 
with a capital of thirty thousand dollars. This was composed 
of some of our best citizens and men of experience who had given 
a lifetime to the manufacture of woolen goods. The works were 
run to their fullest capacity with sales for the goods at a fair 
valuation. 

Dawson Brothers and John T. Ward commenced business in the 
lower factory and such was their attention to it that cloth, yarn 
and other coods of their make became household words in regions 
far away from the ])lace of manufacture. 

Manufacturing has raised the "Yille from five houses to the flour- 
ishin.T villao-e of to-day. To J. and R. H. Hotchkiss must be 
awarded the honor of the first venture. The building- in which now 
are the works of the .American Shear Company was built by a com- 
pany of men mostly residents of Hotchkissville. The returns not 
entirely meeting the expectations of those interested, the stock was 



WOODBURY^ COXXliCTlCUT I35 

on the market, one after another selhng out until it fell into the 
hands of David Cowles of Bethlehem and his sons. A new power 
rose up which was calculated to raise the value of the stock and es- 
tablish the business on a firm basis. Alone he bought the stock and 
placed his son. Edward Cowles, at the head, who filled the place of 
secretary, treasurer and general overseer of the works without a 
thought that he was accomplishing the duties of three, and waiting 
for his reward in the future prosperity of the company. In 1878 
an engine of sufficient power was put in to carry on the works. The 
officers of this well managed corporation are all within the family. 
The manufacturing interest of various kinds have all been traced 
from their inception to the present time and the small beginning con- 
trasted with the Hotchkisville of the present dav in her full strength 
and pride of position among the localities of the town. 
Woodbury, Conn. W. A. Strong. 



136 



THK TOWX AXL) I'EOPLE 




WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT I37 

May 16, 1878. — The manufactory of the American Shear Com- 
pany, located in Hotchkissville, is second to none in the State. With 
a larg-e capital at commencement the energ-etic head of the estab- 
hshment has increased the business since comino- into possession of 
the property, so that one hundred and fifty workmen are employed 
in the different I)ranches pertaining' to the business. 

The head men among- the employees are among- the most skilled 
and intelligent of any in their position. Skilled workmen have much 
to do with success in manufacturing- in its various branches. Here 
we have the best of their class, chosen from the many g-ood ones in 
the Mother Country, all masters in the art of constructing the best 
from the material furnished, and gathered with a liberal hand from 
Africa's sunny clime to the frozen regions of the north. Improved 
machinery renders the labor secure from flood and drouth. The 
shears made are second to none, and the pocket cutlery is the best in 
the market. The works are driven to their utmost capacity, and the 
call is still for more. 

The workmen are paid semi-monthly. The pay is certain ; no one 
can complain of waiting for wages justly due. Many of them are 
making homes of their own and have estalilished a reputation for 
honesty and industry in their adopted country. 

Woodbury, Coxx. W. A. Strong. 

May 21, 1900. — Of all objects in the visible universe there is none 
whose splendor is so great, whose revolutions are so grand, and 
whose benign influences are so widespread as the sun. Every year, 
season and day this glorious orb pours down upon the earth its 
warm and anmiating beams, dispelling the shades of night, diffusing 
joy and gladness among its teeming populations, and ministering in 
a thousand ways to the well-being of all its sentient and organized 
existence. Such is the sun in the great system of creation. How 
important his functions, how inestimable his benefits. It would be 
impossible to describe or even enumerate all the blessings he daily 
diffuses on our own planet alone. How he enlightens, warms, fructi- 
fies, adorns and blesses. What a circle of beneficent changes does he 
annually effect over the whole face of Nature. Old as the earth may 



138 THE Town and people 

be the sun must be older. We have clear evidences, not only that 
the sun existed, but that he also enlightened, warmed and ruled 
over our globe, as at the present day, from the earliest geological 
periods. The trilobites, which were among the earliest of living 
things, and which inhabited the seas of the immeasurably remote 
Cambrian period, had eyes of the most complicated character. The 
heads of all fossil fishes and reptiles in every subsequent geological 
formation exhibit the cavities where the eyes were planted, and not 
a few of them the perforations through which the optic nerve passed 
into the brain. Again, the presence of the sun in all its genial in- 
fluences is sufficiently attested by the vegetation which has occupied 
the surface of the earth through every period of its geological his- 
tory, for light and heat were indispensable to the growth and repro- 
duction of every tree, herb and blade of grass .which went to make 
up that vegetation. 

In connection with vegetation, the sun produced many results of 
inestimable importance to coming man. To the sun the earth owes 
its covering of rich productive soil. Its earliest soil was little else 
than triturated rocks, coarse and poor, and incapable of producing 
onlv a very low grade of vegetation. But each growth as it was 
changed by its decay, left the soil a little better. Thus through the an- 
nual rounds of the sun's influence the earth was fitted to yield the 
herbs, fruits and cereals which the nature of man would require for 
his sustenance. 

While the sun was purifying and vitalizng the atmosphere, it was 
at the same time filling the vaults and cellars of this earthly house 
with invaluable stores of coal for its coming occupant. The quantity 
of carbon extracted from the air and made into coal was enormous. 
In short, the sun was the prime agent in all the grand processes, 
mechanical and chemical, which carried forward the world's forma- 
tion from its chaotic condition to its final state of order, fruitfulness 
and beauty. But in addition to this, the sun's warm and luminous 
beams exert directly a sanitary influence upon all animated nature — 
sunlight and heat are the essential stimulants of vital force. When 
the sun shines the spirits are light and buoyant, the energy is greater 
and the body actually stronger in the bright light of day, while the 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT I39 

health is manifestly promoted and digestion hastened. The new 
and daily influence of the sunlight also contributes much to the re- 
covery of the sick. Reliable statistics prove that in general the 
chances are four to one, in favor of well-lighted wards of hospitals. 
Of all hygienic factors for children's preservation sunlight is the 
most important. 

Sunlight is essentially the same in nature and properties wherever 
it falls ; in every part of the world the sunbeam carries in its silvery 
thread the same luminous heating and chemical power. None of its 
benefits are withheld from any region. All the currents and com- 
motions that take place in the atmosphere are produced by the sun's 
heat, all vegetation is the product of the sun's energy, all animal 
life and strength are sustained by the sun ; the sun is the means which 
the all wise and Omnipotent God has contrived and empowered to 
effect all the operations described on our globe. 
Woman's Club, Woodbury. Conn. Mrs. H. S. Karrmann. 



May 23, 1878. — Nonnewaug Falls. How many there are who 
travel in foreign lands to view the beautiful objects in nature and 
art, who know not that at home they can find natural scenery often 
superior to that which they have spent both time and money to see. 
Woodbury is full of beautiful views and rugged scenery, the joy of 
the artist's soul. Few there are who can or will appreciate that 
which costs them nothing but time to enjoy. Would you like to see 
beauty unadorned by naught save nature's gifts, go to the Falls of 
the Nonnewaug on through the meadows, through field and valley, 
till you come to the ravine down which pour the waters from the 
Falls. Follow the stream if you would enjoy the whole of the beautiful 
prospect as it spreads out before you : 'tis a rugged path, but when 
the object is gained you are well repaid for toil and trouble. Take 
your seat on the mossy bank beneath the Falls, overshadowed by birch 
and hemlock, and you can well spend a few hours in looking at the 
silvery waters as they dash over the falls and rise in a misty veil 
around you. Imagination carries you back to the time when the 
red man alone looked on the waters and the hand of man had not 



I40 " THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

changed the works of his Maker. In the mirror of times long passed 
away, you can see again the dnsky forms of warrior braves as they 
stood in your place and worshipped the Great Spirit who presided 
over the Falls and their race. 

The L'iSt medicine man of his tribe lived at the Fall of the Misty 
Waters. He alone of his people had the power to call up the spirits 
of his forefathers from the misty deep and learn of them the future of 
his race. Here he lived with his dusky sons and dark browed 
daughters where the mist from the Falls rose like incense over the 
sacred altar. Secure from the gaze of man he carried on his in- 
cantations and called on the great Manitou to bless and protect his 
people or to curse the enemies of his race. Tt is related that, enraged 
because his kindred had parted with some of their lands to the Pale 
Face, he cursed them in his wrath. "The plough of the Pale Face 
shall go over the bones of Pomperaug and his kindred, the corn shall 
wave over your hunting grounds, your blood shall mingle with 
the foe, hoe his corn and till his ground." A prophecy fulfilled to- 
day. 

Woodbury, Conn. W. A. Strong. 



\\()()l)i;rRV, CONNECTICUT 



141 




MIK C.ATKS or' OKl':XAl'C. PARK. 




SILVER LAKE IN OKEXAUG PARK. 



142 THK TOWN AXD PEOPIJi 

May 27, 1878. — The child hears his first httle songs and rhymes 
from his mother's lips as she sits in an easy chair hy the window 
while he is going- to sleep. Listen! what is that we hear? Why, 
the dear child, half alseep is humming "In the Sweet Bye and Bye." 
IMethinks the thrifty housewife is mentally scowling and saying, 
"Lay the child on the bed and go out and shut the door, there is 
too much to be done in this busy age to waste time in that way." I 
take up my little hymn book and read. "Take time to be holy," and 
in the same breath comes the thought, take time to be motherly. 
There are some of those things which are so closely allied that it is 
with difficulty we separate the one from the other. Whatever is 
done for children must be done quickly. It seems only yesterday 
that the little boy stood in a chair to have his hair curled ; to-day he 
is two inches taller than his mother. Now the children are con- 
tinually clamoring for stories and I have copied a few lines from one 
of the magazines which expresses my sentiments. "It will be a 
sorry day for the rising generation if those nineteenth century 
realists who are continually clamoring for facts succeed in banishing 
from juvenile literature all the dear, more or less, imaginative tales 
and rhymes which have been the joy of whole armies of little men 
and women for many a century past." "Down with all the fairies 
and hobgoblins," they cry. "Santa Claus is a myth desigiied to fill 
the youthful mind with falsehood and foster unbelief, and Mother 
Goose is a nursery witch who deserves to be burned at the stake." 
Heaven defend the poor children from such iconoclasts. For heaven 
knows the prosaic side of life comes soon enough, and more than 
dolls are stufTed with sawdust. Surely we need not begrudge our 
boys and girls the few radiant years when bright fancy spreads her 
enchanting glamour over land and sea, when for them each flower is 
the home of a daintv fay, and the genial spirit of Christmas love and 
good will is ])ersonific(l in the person of a generous old gentleman, 
who owns the fleetest racers on record. The child's life so far 
has been simply a preparatory course. He has been well fed, well 
clothed and well loved, one of these requisities just as necessary as 
either of the others, although if I were to emphasize one, it would 
be the last, that of being well loved. There is always the question 
of what a child should read or have read to him. It is considered 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT I43 

by the best authority, in my opinion, that fairy stories are good for 
children. Deprive a child of fairy stories and you deprive him of 
much joy and happiness which naturally belong to childhood. In 
reading a fairy story all the childish trouble will be forgotten. He 
will forget the jack-knife that was lost and can not be found, forget 
that Jim had the largest orange, and that Rob jumped further than 
he. He will be in blissful oblivion of all that irritates and annoys. 
Let us take Hans Christian Anderson and follow the ugly duckling 
till our sympathy for the said duckling is lost in wonder and amaze- 
ment. We will stand by the side of the one-legged tin soldier and 
watch the little lady he wanted for a wife, and join the boys and help 
make a boat for him to sail in, and get a glimpse, if possible, before 
he is swallowed by the fish. We will follow along with the mother, 
death and night on their journey, until we are ready to say from the 
heart : "Thy will be done." We will read of little clans and big 
clans with their horses, and go with thick headed Jack and his two 
brothers and find out who is worthy enough to marry the king's 
daughter. We will follow Anderson's and Grimm's fairies and hob- 
goblins till we are satisfied. Many of them have such high standards 
or ideals that the influence can not help but be good. Generally 
speaking it is the unimaginative child that gets into mischief. In 
a child's imagination things are pictured which he is continually 
trying to reach, so I will quote again: "Surround a child by all that 
is best and beautiful in art and nature, let him see grand pictures 
and sculptures, trees and flowers, and let him hear refining music." 

Children love poetry. They like good poems written by Whittier 
or Longfellow, and even if there is a part they do not understand 
they like the sound of the words and the rythmic movement. These 
really good things appeal to their best instincts, as they always 
should. There are books upon books written for children, interest- 
ing, amusing and instructive. Were I to give you a list of them it 
would be like a long column of statistics, and equally as tiresome. 

Many of the books which contain much useful information are 
written in such an attractive way now that a child will get some- 
thing of an education without working for it, or if it is work, he is 
unconscious of it. — Prom "Literature for Children." 

Wo:man's Club, Woodhury Conn. Mrs. Charles Garlick. 



144 THE TOWN AXD PEOPLE 

May 29, 1880. — The grist mill represented alone the water power 
of Woodbury in the early days and was considered of greatest im- 
portance in the internal economy of all that region. The mill must 
be sustained or recourse must be had to the primitive mill of the 
Aborigines, the stone and mortar, for their material support. The 
owner of a mill was especially favored by his townsmen who, when 
the mill was in need of repairs were obliged to turn and give their 
labor for what was considered the public good. Labor was of little 
account then, if the means to sustain life could be gained thereby; 
each man was bound to assist his neighbor in time of need. In this 
respect the present generation can look to the past for an example 
of chivalry and kindness. Mr. Stoddard owned and had charge of 
the mill at the time when the interests of manufacturing first began 
to be felt, and dawn of future prosperity began to show in the dim 
future. In his day the road from the west was cut through his land, 
and in compensation, all the land south of the road down to the 
American Works, was given in exchange. This shows in what 
estimation the mill and the miller were held. At the time the prop- 
erty passed from his hands, the area was much reduced and the num- 
ber of mills so increased, that the public had ceased to bow the knee 
for the public good, and the mill and its product was left to private 
enterprise. Mr. Pierce, Messrs. Downs, Beardsley, Calvin Downs, 
Mr. Castle, Mr. Jackson and Czar Winton, have all owned the mill in 
succession, worthy men who flourished in the business without the 
helping hand of the public benefactor. These men have done well for 
the public and ground the products of many a farm outside the 
limits of "ye ancient towne," both to their own and customer's ad- 
vantage. The products of the West have taken the place of grain 
formerly raised here, ancl the mill of tlie present day does not fill 
the place of the carefully cherished one of fifty years ago. The 
bolts for flour have gone and the provender run has taken the place 
of it, with plaster and bone added. Great changes are everywhere 
and the steam whistle calls hundreds to labor where the timid deer 
came to the stream with her fawn. — JJ^oodbiiry Reporter. 
Woonr.iRY, Conn. Letter erom W. A. Strong (H. and E.") 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 



145 




\1KW NEAR SOLDlERvS MONUMENT. 



May 30, 1886. — The annual memorial service for the Trowbridge 
Post was held in the Episcopal Church on Sunday evening. The 
text of the sermon, "This day shall be unto you for a memorial." 
Rev. Dr. Nelson, pastor. The memorial services in commemoration 
of the deceased heroes were appropriately observed last Monday by 
Trowbridge Post and the citizens of the town. The Post met at the 
Town Hall and at one p. m. marched to the North Cemetery and laid 
memory's token of reverence upon the graves of their comrades in 
arms buried there. Continuing they bestowed the same tribute upon 
the graves of those buried in South Cemetery, after which the com- 
pany assembled in front of J. H. Linsley's, where appropriate music 
and addresses were delivered by those invited to participate, the 
principal address being by Rev. H. O. Judd, followed by Judge 
Huntington, who, in behalf of the ladies of the town, presented to 
the Post the beautiful flag that floated in the breeze from the staff 
near the Soldiers' Monument. Chas. E. Rodger gave a ])oem suit- 



146 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

able to the occasion, Rev. A. P. Powelson and Rev. Dr. Nelson re- 
sponded to the call and made brief addresses. At the conclusion 
Rev. H. O. Judd suggested that it would be helpful for future 
memorial occasions for the citizens to be associated with the Grand 
Army of the Republic in perpetuating these ceremonies. At his sug- 
gestion the following officers were nominated and elected : President, 
Hon. James Huntington ; Vice-Presidents, E. N. Bishop, F. F. Hitch- 
cock, M. F. Skelley, Mrs. E. G. Smith, Mrs. H. D. Curtis, Mrs. R. 
H. Baldwin ; Secretary, G. F. Morris ; Treasurer, H. D. Curtis, 
Committee on Music, j. PI. Linsley, N. M. Strong and Alexander 
Gordon, Jr. After three cheers for the flag, the Post marched to 
their rooms and the people and veterans returned to their homes. 
The lovely day, clear and balmy svmlight, added much to the com- 
fort of the citizens. — IVoodbnry Rcporicv. 



May 30. 1886.- 



Not only in llie qniet vale. 

And in the silent wood, 
The gentle flowers are springing, 

To tell us God is good. 

Not only from the happy home. 
And from the peaceful grove. 

The balmy air their fragrance brings, 
■fo tell us God is love. 

His ministers to us they arc 

In every scene of life, 
And bid us trust His care and love. 

E'en on the field of strife. 

No musket charge, no clash of arms. 
No cannon's deafening roar. 

Or ghastly death and gloom that tell 
The deadly fray is o'er. 

Can fright from the fallen liero's side 
In these dark fearful hours, 

God's faithful messengers of love. 
That come in form of flowers. 



WOODBURY, CONNKCTICL'T HZ 



No power have they to banish pain, 

Or cool the fever'd brow, 
Or quench the burning thirst tliat haunts 

The wounded soldier now. 
• 
But to his heart in tones of love 

They speak a Father's care. 
And bid him trust in One aliove, 

Who keeps them safely there. 

For will not He who even guides 

The sparrow in its fall. 
And guards the tiny flower's, thus 

Neath wars dark mantling pall. 

Much more protect His children there. 

Who on His arm rely, 
And lend a loving Father's ear 

To every earnest cry ? 

'Tis thus the little flowers are sent 

As messengers of joy 
To fill with faith and cheer with hope. 

The wounded soldier boy. 

While we, to whom the noble work 

Of ministering is given. 
Are called to follow in iheir train, 
As almoners of heaven. 

— Flozi'ers on the Pattlcficld. 
Woodbury, Conn. Hortensi.\ M. Thomas Burton. 

May 30, 1884. — On this day, above all others we, the soldiers of 
the war, recall the memories of the past, the battlefields, the sieges, 
the forced marches and the music of a thousand bands are all fresh 
in our memories. This granite monument which was erected by 
the citizens in commemoration of our fallen comrades, and which 
we have to-day decorated with beautiful flowers, may stand for gen- 
erations to come. The names thereon written remind us of the 
fathers, brothers, or dearly cherished friends who perished by the 
bullet, sword or disease. 



148 the; TOWN' AXD PEOPLE 

( )n this day, to tis soldiers, there conies a rush of memories which 
carry tis hack to the day of all days in a soldier's life, the day of our 
enlistment. They who endured hardship and clauntlessly met the 
fiery storm, poured out therrhlood and lay with white faces upturned 
to God, they knew what our country means, and as they repose in 
their graves they tell us that no country can live without law, liberty, 
and true manhood, and because they saw in the flag' the soul of the 
great Re]iublic, with strong hands and chivalric daring they planted 
themselves by the stars and stripes and now sleep till the morning 
of the resurrection. 

Woodbury, Conx. Ammi Hull, Adjutant. 

May 30, 1884. — So long as beautiful flowers grow on our hill- 
sides, so long may our prayers and sympathies go with those who 
fell in defense of our country. 

Cemented by the blood of a million freeman, the government of 
this nation has been growing stronger from day to day. 

We have but one thing to fear to-day and that is prosperity. 

Woodbury, Coxn. Jaales Huxtixgtox, 



May 30. 1870.- 



When, years ago, hot tears we shed. 

When soldiers fell like rain ; 
When old and young for country bled. 

On hillside, vale or plain : 
Our hearts ached for each dying groan. 

Our eyes o'erflowed wSth woe, 
Shall we forget their parting moan? 

Their country answers — No ! 

When shot and shell with dread onslaught. 

Among our noblest fell. 
And to a sobbing country taught 

Her children loved her Well : 
Our hearts ached for each parting pain, 

Our eyes o'er-flowed with woe. 
Shall such brave blood be shed in vain? 

Their comrades answer — No ! 



WOODIiURV, CONXF.CTICL'T I49 

Tlie fatlier left his happy home, 

And sons went forth to death ; 
Then lovers from their fair did roam. 

And nations held their breath. 
For them no praise too high or rare, 

That left their all to go. 
Shall memory her tribnte spare? 

The country answers — No ! 

The brave, the loved, who gave their own 

To guard the country's life, 
And without murmur, sigh or moan, 

Marched to the deadly strife; 
Left us to keep their memory green. 

Their noble deeds to show. 
Shall we neglect the duty now ? 

We answer firmly — No ! 

Each year will we, with glad accord, 

Combme in garlands fair, 
Of all that nature can afford. 

A floral tribute rare : 
On every grave known or "unknown," 

Which o'er our soldiers press. 
Shall not sweet blossoms now be strewm? 

Their weeping friends sigh — Yes. 

— Hymn for Decora f ion Day. 
Woodbury, Conn. Emily Goodrich Smith. 



JUNE. 

June 8, 1898. — Every age has had its heroes — men who have 
stood pre-eminent among their fellows ; who have surpassed their 
associates in some particular line of activity. Their deeds were 
considered the most noble, the most exalted, the most glorious which 
it was possible for man to perform. 

Homer's hero was tall, powerful, of gigantic stature; when he 
walked, the arrows in his quiver resounded. He knew not cowardice, 
but stalked forth to slay his mighty antagonist as fearlessly as a cat 
to kill a mouse. He might also be a powerful speaker, able to con- 
trol his comrades and make them valiant in battle. These were 
qualities that he must possess, but he might yield to the basest pas- 
sions and appetites and still be considered a hero. At his death he 
would go to the realms of the blest and become a god or demigod. 
Even the gods might indulge in all sorts of vice and deceit. Such 
were the ideals which the Greeks then held concerning the heroic 
and the god-like, and such continued to be their ideals for hundreds 
of years. 

The Romans held in highest esteem those who could command 
large armies, subdue hostile tribes, bring them into subjection and 
make laws for their government. These were the typical qualities 
of the hero, century after century. 

At about the time of the Crusades, the Age of Chivalry commenced. 
The hero, or knight as he was called, was expected to vindicate jus- 
tice, to avenge wrong, and to defend the weak, the unprotected, and 
the oppressed. Valor was the highest virtue, and cowardice the 
lowest vice. Their ideals were undoubtedly noble, but their lives 
and efforts were too often ignoble. 

Mr. Freeman, in his Norman Conquest, says that the good knight 
performed endless fantastic courtesies towards men, and especially 
towards women of a certain rank, but all below that rank might be 



WOODlll'RV, CONNECTICUT I5I 

treated with any degree of scorn and cruelty ; that one or two arbi- 
trarily selected virtues were practiced in such an exaggerated degree 
that thy became vices, that the false code of honor supplanted "the 
laws of the commonwealth, the law of God, and the eternal prin- 
ciples of right," that in its military aspect chivalry encouraged war 
for its own sake, regardless of its cause, and that it neglected the 
"homely duties of an honest man and a good citizen." 

At the time of the Renaissance, chivalry as an institution gradually 
disappeared, but the popular conception of the qualities required to 
constitute a true hero continued. 

Carlyle thought a hero to be a leader of some great and good re- 
form. He worshipped the leader, but ignored those who supported 
him and rendered the final result possible. 

To-day every man and woman may be a hero. Do you say: "Im- 
possible?" The thought of impossibility most probably grows out 
of your military conception of the heroic. You fear that you cannot 
be a Dewev and sink a Spanish fleet. lUit why do we honor Dewey? 
Why is he a hero ? Is it because he destroyed property and human 
life? Bv all means, Xo. It is because he did his duty according to 
his ability, when he had opportunity. It is because he helped to re- 
move the heel of the tyrant from the neck of the oppressed, because 
he helped to illumine regions of darkness and superstition by break- 
ing down the barriers that were withstanding the light of civiliza- 
tion. Deeds of war, in themselves, are not heroic — they are api)all- 
ing. They seem justifiable only when their end and aim is noble — 
tending to relieve sufl'ering, to make the world better, and hasten 
the millenium of peace and love. Napoleon conquered powerful 
armies, gained control of vast territories, but he had no noble end 
in view. He fought only to exalt himself, and so it is that all thought- 
ful people agree with Mr. Cruikshank that the most fitting monu- 
ment for him would be a vast pyramid of human skulls with Napo- 
leon himself standing at the apex. Our conception of heroism .is 
expressed by the poet who sang of "The Flag of the Heroes {" 

"For every star, ten thousand men 
Have died that it might shine again ; 
For every stripe of white and red, 



15- THE TOWX AXD PEOPLE 

Ten thousand heroes' hearts have bled ; 
The land they gave their lives to save, 
Now mourns united o'er their grave. 

"Not ours to die as these have done. 
Yet ours to mn as these have won 
The ceaseless victory that sheds 
Memorial glory round their heads. 
And can-y on their l)rave endeavor 
To make their country great forever." 

The heroes of this age, that is, those whom we now consider its 
true heroes, are those who have withstood great opposition and per- 
secution in order to help on some noble reform. 

William Lloyd Garrison, the great Abolitionist, was once dragged 
by a mob, through the mud of IJoston. Thirtv vears later they 
erected a monument to his memory. John ['>rov\'n was hung as a 
criminal — to-day he is lionored as a hero. 

Christ himself was mocked, ridiculed, jeered at, stoned, and put 
to a most ignominious death. Yet to-day he is the world's greatest 
hero, the model and pattei"n for all who wish to be truly heroic. Not 
forbearance of wrong, 1)ut symjjathy with suffering and need gave 
him his glory. 

So then, altlKJitgh we may meet with o])])osition. although our 
talents may be few, although the deeds we accomplish may be small, 
nevertheless, if we toil faithfully on, helping the weak, lifting the 
falleii, encouraging the disheartened, relieving the oppressed, striv- 
ing to make the world better by our having lived, gladly doing the 
htimble duties of every day life, then indeed, the Judge of all the 
earth will consider us trttv heroic. — Coiiuucuccuicni Oration C. C. 
Institiitc, Hackettsioivn, Nczv Jersey. 

Woonp.L'RY. CoNX. Frederick Averill Wiitttlesev. 

[Frederick Averill Whitlesey was licensed to preach as a local 
preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, by the Woodbury 
Quarterly Conference of the New Flaven District of the New A^ork 
East Annual Conference at Woodbtiry, Conn.. December 22, 1896.] 



WOODULKV, COXXKCTICUT I53 

June; io, 1879. — I" June, 1879, ^ made a journey of more than 
three hundred miles on horse-back and alone, throug^h a howling 
wilderness as large as the whole State of Connecticut. Only three 
years before, the Sioux Indians had slain the gallant General Custer 
and his whole army. That was the price which the United States 
had to pay for taking possession of this territory. In the Centennial 
year of the American Independence, gold had been discovered in the 
sand which was washed by the mountain torrents from those ever- 
lasting hills — hills covered with immense forests of evergreen, which 
appeared, indeed, a very desert — the great American desert of my 
boyhood. The weary traveller across the vast prairies of the upper 
Missouri \'alley, the land of the Dakotas ( called by the French, 
Sioux ) , when the Buffalo grass ripened in the July suns and 
bleached by the Fall rains and Wintry blizzards, sees far off on 
the western horizon, darkened by the immense distance at which 
they were visible, the Black Hills. This cluster of hills, higher than 
the White Mountains of New England, but hills in comparison with 
the backbone of the Continent which rises several hundred miles to 
the westward, with still other praries intervening. These hills ap- 
peared black, hence the name which was given to Lawrence, Pen- 
nington and Custer counties — now by division and Statehood al- 
lotted to South Dakota. To the west, at that time, was the terri- 
tory of Wyoming; to the northwest was the territory of ^^lontana. 
One can, in a day's ride, j^ass over the line from the City of Dead- 
wood into Xorth Dakota and Montana, turning southward into 
Wyoming be back in South Dakota the next day. 

At the time of which I write, the nearest railroad was three hun- 
dred and fifty miles away. At one time the nearest minister w'as at 
that distance from me. Thirty thousand people were scattered 
through this immense territory, three-quarters of whom were men. 
Little villages of log huts were scattered at long intervals through 
the hills. They were called camps, for, if digging gold did not pay 
or more remunerative prospects appeared elsewhere, the whole popu- 
lation would break camp, abandon their cabins and build again on a 
new site. 

In 1876 a Methodist minister named Smith preached in the streets 
of Deadwood and surroundng camps. One Sunday, in passing from 



154 TTIE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

one appointment to another, he was shot by an Indian lying in am- 
btish, witliin a mile of Deadwood stream, which gave its name to the 
Camp which became the metropolis of the Hills. 

The little church to which I ministered was built of rough boards 
nailed upright on the frame, with outside battens ; no paint outside 
or plaster within. In size it was 20x35 ^^^t on the grovnid, and this 
was the only building set apart for worship in that country. The 
wild deer came to the hill tops and peered with wondering eyes at 
the busy scenes in the valley below. The mountain lion, as large 
as and much resembling the female African lion — often measuring 
nine feet from its nose to the end of its tail — abounded. The black 
and grizzly bear were plenty. The great gray wolf was not yet 
taught to fear the habitation of man ; the Coyote, about the size of 
a Spitz dog, was a great chicken thief. I have seen both of these 
animals stealing away from cabins as I have ridden by. 

With the fate of my predecessor in mind, and surrounded l)y such 
companions, I went out into the wilderness in search of the lost 
sheep of the House of Israel. Xo regard was paid to Sunday then, 
unless it was to make it a day for purchasing the week's provisions. 
No arrangements were made for supplying pulpits on that vacation, 
for there were no ]:)ulpits to be supplied. The usual programme was 
when night overtook me to seek first a place to sleep, and then a 
building large enough to hold the people of the village, and after- 
ward to go to the saloons and gambling houses and give notice that 
in such a place, at early candle-light I w'ould hold a service. With- 
out exception all business would be closed and the men would come 
together and preserve order themselves. Only once did I have any 
disturbance, and that by a drunken man, who remarked kindly upon 
all that I said. He was quietly taken out and the service continued 
without interruption. 

I must pass over a series of accidents, such as being held up by 
highwaymen, being myself taken for a horse thief, my horse falling 
off a precipice twenty-five feet high, and the same day falling through 
a rotten bridge, and will relate only one incident of my return trip. 
I had spent Sunday in Rapid City, a camp on Rapid Creek which 
has, indeed, become a citv with a college of mines and churches and 



VVOODRURY, COXNECTlCUT 1 55 

happy families. Many of them had already arrived and there we 
had already a church and Sunday school organized. The mis- 
sionary's name was Whitfield, and the doctor's name was Whitfield, 
though they were not related. The doctor desired to visit the city 
of Deadwood on business and proposed if I would wait until Wednes- 
day to ride home with me. The distance liy the stage route was 
about fifty miles. This road skirted the hills to the eastward for 
forty miles and then turned westward for ten miles to the metropolis. 
When the day arrived he said he had a patient whom he desired to 
visit, about ten miles to the westward of Rapid, and from there we 
would take the old and abandoned stage road wliich had been used 
in 1876. At four o'clock on that beautiful June morning we started 
on our sixty miles horse-back ride. We breakfasted with the family 
the doctor had called to see, and by eight o'clock we were on our way 
to the north and for twelve hours we were not to see a human being. 
Occasionally we passed abandoned shacks, perhaps erected by the 
Stage Company for stations where horses were exchanged and meals 
provided for the passengers. Not a bird sang in all that wilder- 
ness. Occasionally we saw a robin who flew screaming in terror 
from us. Sometimes the far-off cry of the mountain lion, almost 
human in its wail, would come to our ear. A frightened doe with 
her fawn would hurry away or stand with wondering eyes until we 
came too near and then bound away into the forest. We saw natural 
meadows where the blue grass and wild rye, or wild oats, would 
reach at times to our knees as we sat on our ponies. But no culti- 
vated fields, none of the scenes of domestic life and comfort which 
would gladden the eye of the traveller in the East. Somtimes we 
skirted a mountain base ; again we rode through open fields or rich 
pasture lands. The elevation was such that frost was certain everv 
month of the Summer. Xotwithstanding these facts recent maps 
show a railroad as built along the very route we travelled that day, 
more than a score of years ago, and villages are thickly sprinkled 
along that road. Mines, not only of gold, but of tin, of mica, of 
copper, of coal abound. Mills for working up the vast forests into 
lumber for the farmers on the plains of Dakota ; sand-stone and 
granite for foundation stones for the empire yet to l)e ; gypsum for 



156 THE TOWX AND PEOPLE; 

the wlieat fields of the world ; all these more certain of profit than 
gold have heen pre-empted by the enterprisini^- spirit of American 
push and energy. 

About five p. M. both horses and riders lieginning; to feel the stress 
of hard riding, we found the old road bending sharply to the east, 
while our general direction had been due north all day. I knew a 
narrow trail led up out of the Deadwood canyon too steep for 
wagons, but used by foot and horse-back travellers. This gulch was 
in places one thousand feet deep from the tops of the mountains 
which encircled it. I could plainly see this trail or path from our 
parsonage. 1 had never explored it, but had been told it was a short 
cut to the old road. The doctor, upon my information, decided to 
try to find this short cut. We soon found what promised to be the 
opening which we desired to take and started in. At first the path 
seemed to be a wagon track or a wood road, but without any warning 
the double track became single and 1 told the doctor it might end in 
a squirrel track, and when the scpiirrel climbed a tree, where would 
we be? He said : "We can see a plain path liefore us, and as we are 
more than five miles from the old road, we cannot go back and reach 
Deadwood before dark," so we pushed on in silence. The way led 
along a grass-grown ridge, with small pines skirting the sides of 
what is called a "hog's back," when suddenly we came to the end of 
the hill, which terminated in a steep descent, and this terminal was 
covered by what appeared to be an impassable barrier of fallen trees 
uprooted by some mighty tornado. The wind whistling about the 
hills had laid the trees in every conceivable direction and crossing 
each other at all angles. 

We dismounted and held a council of war. It seemed iiupossible 
to go forward ; to go backward seemed equally impracticable, and we 
anxiously scanned the horizon for smoke or some sign of human 
habitation. At last I caught sight of a cabin across the valley, a 
mile or more away, which I recognized as a miner's cabin which I 
had seen liefore, situated al)out three miles above Deadwood. In 
the meantime the doctor had used his eyes and he said he could see 
signs of a clearing at the foot of the hill on which we stood, and if 
he was right there was a good road near it and he was going to find 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 157 

it, and following" the word by action he started into the wind-fall. 
Seeking- a place large enough for a horse to land on the other side, 
he ied him over one tree around another and under a third, 
and so for two mortal hours, in and out, up and down, we 
led our horses through the maize, until just as darkness settled 
<lown upon the earth we did find a wood road. A half mile farther 
we entered the main road between Deadwood and Whitewood only 
a couple of miles from home. Then that beast of mine, knowing his 
master's crib and the way to it showed no signs of weariness, but 
with ears erect was off in the darkness at a speed which would have 
done credit to a thoroughbred racer, and I had to hold him back 
to accommodate the doctor's nag, who did not know his ground and 
lacked the enthusiasm to recuperate his failing strength. 

The doctor was equally used up. for he had opened an old wound 
received in the Civil War, and later he had to submit to a long ill- 
ness and a painful operation, part of his foot lieing amputated. I 
felt no ill eft'ect from my journey, and I had found mines of 
spiritual possibilities more precious than gold, out of which grew 
ten churches of our Order, and I visited these fields again and again. 
But I rode in a wagon and did not follow the old trails of Indian 
scouts into all sorts of ambush after this adventure. 

Hartford, Conn. Rev. Eugene Atwood. 

June 12, 1880. — The first use of water power in Scratchville was 
in the manufacture of nails by Peck and Bacon of the kind called 
brads. The heads were formed by hand and the work was done in 
the shop of the late Isaac Sherman. This was carried on until it 
ceased to be profitable and given u]) with a loss. The next was 
Curtis & Orton in the manufacture of German silver spoons. 
The corner store was carried on in connection with the factory, and 
the profits of a country store added to the gains. ]\Iany were ex- 
changed for silver by the peddlers, and the innocents abroad will 
remember the name to-day with blessings on the head of the travel- 
ing merchant who exchanged the spoons, giving them pure German 
silver for the heirlooms in their possession. George Sherman had 
control of this property and carried on the business of a cabinet 



158 THE TOWX AXD PEOPLE 

maker. Handy at any thing, his own lawyer, a good debater on 
any subject, he possessed all the Sherman vim with other of the good 
qualities. 

He was an original genius, yet his inventions that paid were few, 
and the traps he set were often sprung by others. The Shermans 
will long be remembered for their strength of character from the 
early days until the last of the name has passed away. After this 
came the manufacture of shears by John Abemethy. and after his 
decease, by his son Willard. This company made money for a 
long while, and had the reputation of honorable business men, kind 
to their employees, and just in their dealings with all men. After 
profits ceased they sold out to E. eV' T. Dews, general jobbers in 
w^agons and repairers of machinery. T. Dews moved to Water- 
town, and Edwin carried on the business alone prosperouslv. Ed- 
win Dews's father. George, moved in machinery for spinning yarn 
and making cassimere. Mr. Dews had an excellent reputation as 
an honest man and his goods M^ere at the head of the class. Mr. 
Mason fitted up a room in the same building for finer articles in the 
cutlery line and pertecting a machine for etching on steel and glass. 
Mr. Dews sold the property to Frank R. Ford and went West. The 
factory has had many changes and tenants. It is one of the best 
water power for light work, its source of su])ply being East Meadow 
Rrook and the Xonnewaug River. The s])rings are never drv, 
holding out long after the main streams fail to furnish i^ower to 
the wheels along their banks. — Jl'oodbiirx Reporter. 

\\. A. Stroxg. 

JrNr: 13, 1900. — 

Guide thou my uiind iu wisdom's path. 

Extend thy goodness far and wide. 

Open the portals knowledge hath. 

Reveal their love, be that my pride. 

Give me those books where mind hath wrnught. 

Exalted eloquence that soars. 

Poured by the magic spell of thought 

Sound as the logic she adores. 

Holds converse with the lightning's sw,ing. 

E'er counts the starry realm of heaven ; 

Robed with immortal power to fling 

More light on earth there yet is given. 

And freedom's song the world shall sing. 

Nor stop till all shall lie forgiven. 

New York City. George P. Sherm.\n. 



\VU(JU i; L' k V , cox X ECT 1 C LT 



159 




THE MITCHELL SCHOOL. 



JuxE 18, 1898. — To-day the town of \\'oo(ll)nn- received a s^en- 
erous gift, which hy reason of its lasting l^enefits. ma\- well cause 
the g-iver and the day to be held in perpetual remembrance. A 
special town meeting had been notified and warned to consider the 



l6o THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

purchase of a location which had been selected by the Town School 
Committee for a "Graded School and School of Higher Grade," in 
accordance with a previous vote of the town ; also the appropriation 
of funds sutficient to construct a suitable school building. The 
various parts of the town were well represented by the voters 
present, and among them were many women who partcipated in the 
business of the afternoon. 

W. J. Clark was appointed moderator, and A. W. Mitchell, town 
clerk, read the call for the meeting. The report of the Town 
School Committee regarding the site chosen, was given by E. S. 
Boyd. Then a vote was offered by Judge Huntington, that the town 
establish the location thus selected and the selectmen purchase the 
building lot for the school designated. Rev. J. L. R. Wyckoff 
spoke in favor of the vote ; also announced that Charles C. Mitchell 
desired to offer an amendment. A gift of live thousand dollars 
was then offered to tne town by Charles C. Mitchell for the pur- 
chase of a site and building for the free education of the boys and 
girls of Woodbury. Joyous applause, words of appreciation and a 
vote of thanks were given the donor. 

The vote upon the purpose of the meeting was passed by more 
than two-thirds majority. A Building Committee was appointed, 
consisting of the following persons : Horace D. Curtis, Charles 
C. Mitchell, Edward S. Boyd and Asahel W. Mitchell. 

The selected building lot, purchased from Dea. James H. Linsley, 
is situated westerly from his cabinet shop on a level tract of land 
which commands an extended view of this beautiful valley and 
the distant hills of the surrounding towns. A valuable addition to 
this building lot was received through the presentation of a large 
section of land given by Mr. John jVIartin of Woodbury, the whole 
specified tract of land constituting one of the best public school 
grounds in the State of Connecticut. ( )n November 24, 1898, the 
"Laving of the Corner Stone" of this school building, to be known 
as "The C. C. and J. W. Mitchell Memorial Eree School," took 
place with appropriate ceremonies directly after the Thanksgiving 
services of the day. For this occasion a box to be hermetically 
sealed, was prepared, containing a Bible, and National, State and 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT l6l 

Town records of pulilic and local interest. In the contents, all the 
various social, husiness and literary organizations of Woodbury 
were represented, an "Order of Exercises of the Day" was in- 
cluded ; also a specimen of the wood to be used in the construction 
of the building. The box was sealed in the presence of the com- 
pany assembled on the school grounds and then deposited in the 
receptacle and the corner stone, with the figures 1898 carved upon 
it, was placed in position. The exercises were continued at the 
Town Hall, Hon. H. D. Curtis presiding. The prayer of Dedica- 
tion was by Rev. J. A. Freeman. The hymn "America" was sung, 
and addresses were given by Rev. J. L. R. Wyckoff of the North 
Church, Rev. L. Robert Sheffield of the Episcopal Church, Rev 
William Weeks, principal of School of Higher Grade, Rev. J. A. 
Freeman of the First Church, F. F. Hitchcock, M. F. Skelly and 
E. S. Boyd. The tloxology, " Praise God from Whom All Bless- 
ings Flow," was sung by the audience, and the exercises closed with 
the benediction by Rev. J. L. R. Wyckofif. During the following 
year a commodious building was constructed of the colonial style of 
architecture, handsomelv finished in natural wood, well lighted and 
ventilated. It contains four large school rooms, a recitation and 
kindergarten room, with halls and convenient cloak rooms. The 
new school building is fitted with modern school furniture, steam 
heating apparatus, electric bells and a supply of public water. On 
September 11, 1899, ^ school, num1)ering two hundred pupils, as- 
sembled in this convenient and attractive school building with grate- 
ful appreciation of this gift from Mr. Charles C. Mitchell to the 
school children of Woodbury. 

A system of public instruction was inaugurated, which inchided 
all departments, beginning with the Kindergarten and finishing 
with the Classical. Latin Scientific, English Scientific, Academic 
and Commercial courses of the High School. A competent corps 
of instructors were appointed. 

Edwin H. Johnson, Superintendent and Principal of High 
School ; Miss Julia E. Peck, High School Assistant ; Miss Harriet 
B. Munro, Grammar Department ; Miss Susan L. Morris, Inter- 
mediate Department; Miss Cora B. Galpin, Primary Department; 



l62 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

Miss Ida B. Norton, Kinderg-arten and Primary Department. The 
following year Miss S. Augusta Salmon was appointed teacher of 
Drawing. 

The whole number of schools in the town were placed under the 
same management and course of instruction, the indications being 
that the Woodbury High School will soon take equal rank with 
the best in the State. 

The Town School Committee, who had charge of the schools of 
Woodbury during this period in their history, were as follows : 
Edward S. Boyd, Mrs. N. M. Strong, W. J. Clark, Hon. James 
Huntington, M. F. Skelly and Rev. J. L. R. W^vckoft". 

Wot)DBURV, CONX. Jl-TLIA MiNOR STRONG. 

June 20, lyoi. — It becomes the duty as well as privilege of the 
"Reporter" to chronicle brief particulars of the first graduation 
exercises held in Woodbury, since the establishment of this paper in 
1877. The graduating exercises of the Woodbury High School and 
Woodbury Grammar School, classes of 1901, were held in the Xorth 
Congregational Church, Friday, June 14, at 7 130 p. m. The day 
had been very sultry and a shower at 6:30 settled the dust, and cool- 
ing the atmosphere, added t(^ the enjoxment of the occasion. 

The pupils assembled at the W oodbury Central School at 7 
o'clock in order that they might march to the church. At the resi- 
dence of Charles C Mitchell, the donor of the public school, thev 
sang "America." Mr. Mitchell, although in feeble health, came 
upon the piazza and Ijowed in acknowledgement of their trilntte of 
gratitude and esteem. On arriving at the church they marched up 
the aisle to the accompaniment of a song by the choir. Rev. L. R. 
Shetlleld read a selection from the Scripture, and Rev. J. H. Lock- 
wood offered prayer. This was followed 1)\' the anthem by the 
choir, "( ) God, ( )ur Help." 

The program included recitations by Mary Maude Terrill, Janie 
Marilla Drakeley, Frank Alexander Ross, Xina May Heinze, Eva 
Jeanette Allen, Martha Eliza Tuttle. Fannie Hickox Isham, Johneta 
Elizabeth Curtis, Arthur Bruce Burton, Lois Cliloe Warner and 
Willis Antliony Strong ; vocal solos l)y Xellie Suckley and Katherine 



■WOODUIKV, COXXECTICLT 163 

Freeman ; reading by George Benjamin Curtis ; compositions by 
Nellie Suckley and Louise Frencb Curtis ; violin solo by Caroline 
Strong; an oration by tbe first graduate of the High School, Albert 
Averill Dowd, which was remarkably well rendered, and a most ad- 
mirable presentation of the subject, "The Hawaiian Islands." 

Edwin Howard Johnson, Principal oi the High School, gave an 
address to the second Graduating Class of the Woodbury Grammar 
School, presenting with diplomas the following garduates : Eva 
Jeanette Allen, Arthur Bruce Burton, Johneta Elizabeth Curtis, 
George Benjamin Curtis, Louise French Curtis, Janie Marilla Drake- 
ley, Nina May Heinze, Fannie Hickox Isham, Frank Alexander 
Ross, Willis Anthony Strong, Nellie Suckley, Mary Maude Terrill, 
Martha Eliza Tuttle, Lois Chloe Warner. 

Principal Johnson then followed with an address, in which he out- 
lined the progress of the schools during the past two years in which 
he has served as Principal of the High School and Superintendent 
of Schools of the town. He stated that Albert Averill Dowd was 
qualified to enter Brown University. 

Following this was a song, "Auld Lang Syne," by Mary Carr, 
Annie Galpin, Frank A. Ross and Frank W. Strong. 

Rev. J. L. R. Wyckofl:' delivered an address to the graduates and 
pupils on the "Value of a Wortiiy Purpose." His remarks were 
w-ell chosen and adapted to the occasion. He tried to impress the 
pupils with the importance of having a purpose in life, a high ideal, 
a determinaton to mount up, if possible, to the upper rung of the 
ladder, for there is always room at the top. One could not listen to 
his earnest words without realizing something of the grandeur of a 
noble life, and no doubt many pupils were stimulated to greater ef- 
forts in the future. 

The decoration, on the platform in the school colors of Royal 
l]lue and class color, White, was harmonious and remarkably well 
arranged, in fact just what one would expect from so skillful an ar- 
tist as H. C. Smith has often proved himself to be. Above the 
decorations was suspended the large portrait of our honored towns- 
man, Mr. Charles C. Mitchell, whose munificent gift made possible 
the school from which came forth the material for an occasion of 
this kind. — JVoodbitry Reporter. 



164 



ruK TOWNT AND PEOPLE 




THE MILES OE MIXORTOWN. 



June 23, 1901. — Minortown is a l:)usy and thriving- hamlet situated 
two and a half miles northeast of Woodbury. The name originated 
from the JMinor family, as every house had inmates and owners by 
that name. Samuel Minor, Sr., was a great land owner, having in 
his possession hundreds of acres in the valley of the Xonnewaug 
River, which runs through this place, on which has been a mill site 
for more than a century, Adam Minor erecting the first mill. Then 
changing hands, the buildings lieing rebuilt and repaired till now 
they are known as Goodsell's Mills. Dea. Truman Minor was an 
upright and God fearing man. The memory of his gifted prayers 
and talks in religious gatherings will never be forgotten by the list- 
ener. Deacon Nathaniel Minor and wife were life-long residents 
here, and they were most exemplary people, following the teachings 
of the Books of Books, living beautiful Christian lives. 

Charles J. Minor, another landmark, a man of sterling worth 
and upright character. These three men were uppermost in my 
thoughts. There are others, men and women, long since gathered 
to their heavenly home. 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 165 

The Minor name is _oi-o\vin,q- less. The present generation will 
soon pass on to meet the others that have g'one before. Strangers 
will locate in our pleasant homes, and the charming nooks that have 
known us will know us no more. 

"When the holy angels meet us, 

As we go to Join their band; 
Shall we know the friends that greet us 

In the glorious spirit land?" 

MiNORTowN, Conn. Margaret S. Minor. 

June 24, 1900. — Historical Nonnewaug is deserving a short notice 
from one investigating the principal featttres of interest in Wood- 
bury. The name is derived from an Indian tribe inhabiting the 
northern part of the town a few centuries ago. The place is one 
of wild and picturesque beauty, the winding river, the roaring water- 
fall and the unmarked grave of the chief tian, each bearing the name 
Nonnewaug. These self same Falls have been visited by many a 
tourist in recent years and pronounced as charming a view as can 
be found in any of our New England States. As one stands at the 
higher Fall the thought comes of the sad tragedy enacted here, 
characteristic of the Indian disposition. Nonnewaug, seeing the 
approach of civilization, the wdiite men appropriating his lands as 
their own jumped over the Falls, thus ending his life. Many memen- 
toes have been found from time to time of this ])ast race. 

The brook gurgles and splashes on, singing to the spirit of the 
Red Men as its rythm was their associate in life seeming, to say as 
in the words of the poet, "For men may come and men may go, but 
I go on forever." 

MiNoRTowN, Conn. Edith J. Minor. 

June 25, 1900. — In the year of 1861 J. and N. B. Burton pur- 
chased the old mill, then standing in Minortown, of Mrs. Willis 
Downs. Some needed repairs were made and business was started 
about April ist of that year. In five years business had boomed to 
such an extent that new and more commodious buildings through- 



1 66 the; tow^' A^D people 

out were erected to take the place of the ones standing for a century. 
It took nearly a year's time and much hard labor to complete these 
structures. "Burton's Mills" became a household word, and a 
thriving center of business, not only for Woodbury, but surrounding 
towns. The railroad to Watertown being completed thus making 
a near connection with the outside world, grain from the West was 
shipped to Watertown and Andrew Hard's large and sleek two-horse 
and four-horse teams transported the grain to Burton's ^Mills, making 
two trips a day, where it was ground to feed, etc. ; also a large stock 
of flour was purchased in the Fall of the year for retail and wholesale 
trade. The custom work was large and many farmers with oxen 
brought immense loads of corn to mill. Sawing was a thriving in- 
dustry, and when one brother was busy with one branch of work 
the other was attending to some other. William Burton, a son 
of J. B. Burton of the firm, was connected with them as assistant 
for about ten years, and his manly and upright character won him 
many friends. J. 15. IJurton commenced making trips West buying 
and selling lumber, and a luml)er yard, the first in town, was added 
to the mills, whereas people previously when needing anything in 
that line must go to Waterbury or some more distant place. The 
post office in 1870 was another gain to this thriving place, and in 
connection a store, in which was kept all kinds of groceries, was 
added. The business interests brought social advantages. Rainy 
days and long Winter evenings the masculine portion of the place 
would gather at the mill to discuss national and local subjects of the 
da}-. When the railroad was built to Southbury a lumber and feed 
store was .started in Woodbury center, thus taking away a portion 
of the trade in Minortown. Burton 15ros. sold out their interest in 
1881 to Bronson Atwood, the former moving to the center of the 
town, where they now reside. In the years i860 to 1863 six brides 
entered the place to reside, Mrs. Albert .\twood, Nathan Burton, 
installing his bride in his recently purchased home of Mrs. Willis 
Downs, Nathaniel Strong, Roderick Atwood, Charles W. and T. S. 
Minor all locating in the vicinity. In later years Mrs. Chauncey 
Atwood came, and in no house in our town was such a munificent 
and entertaining hostess as she. Time makes many changes. Death 



WOODKUKY, CONXECTICIT 167 

has claimed some, others have moved away making" new homes. 
Changes must come and we, each and all, must be wilHng to re- 
ceive them. — Social and Business Industries of Minortozvii. 

Woodbury, Coxn. Jeannett S. Biktox. 

JrxE 26, 1880. — How strange to the looker on! The '\'ille 
sprung from a single venture, Pomperaug from a mill, the grind- 
ing power of which was brought from old Stratford on the back of 
a horse. Will not the end reward the looker on and show that chil- 
dren have not disgraced their sires, either in character or works 
judged by the light of to-day. The first mil! in the Ancient History 
was not located in Pomperaug, but near the residence of Dea. Eli 
Summers on the banks of the little brook running near. The gear- 
ing was placed under an open shed and with stones the size of a 
common grindstone for the people in 1674. This mill was set in 
motion l)y those who went to grind their grain, and would grind a 
bushel a day, thus the toll was saved for their families. This was a 
great improvement on the stone mortar of the natives, but could not 
long satisfy the increasing number of people. A larger one was 
planned and built in 1681, nearly west of where Hon. Nathaniel 
Smith resided. The town in assembly resolved that a larger mill 
was necessary to supply the wants of a growing population, and 
gave John Hurd land and other i)rivileges if he would construct a 
mill which would grind the grain in proper manner. The land 
given and grants enabled the grantee to build a mill of palatial 
dimensions for those early days. The location selected was not a 
good one. The dam across the Pomperaug could not be maintained 
without needless expense on account of spring freshets, which called 
for all the labor the town could give, and even the sacred mill wdiich 
stood next to the minister in their affections. Trouble came so thick 
and fast Hurd was about to give up in despair. In three years the 
freshets had ruined the dam, filled up the ditch, and the labor of the 
entire town could not maintain a mill with profit on the site first 
selected. The town voted to make repairs, but with true Yankee 
thrift demanded an equivalent for labor furnished in product of the 
mill. For the purpose of giving him courage ro bear his onerous 



l68 THE TOWiS" AN'D PEOPLK 

burden the town granted him ten acres of land south of his premises 
on condition "that he grind corn for the town for seven years and 
take no more toll than the law allows." Xo person was to be called 
to labor more than three days in one year on the dam or for the sup- 
port of the other works connected. A saw mill was located near, 
wdiich helloed greatly to support the expenses of the corn mill. This 
contract with Hurd continued in force until i()9i, when, on the 
death of the grantee, the town was again obliged to take measures 
for keeping- the mill in motion. A town meeting was called for the 
purpose and a committee with full powers appointed to make a con- 
tract with some competent and orderly person to erect a mill near 
the locatic^n of the old one which could well and seasonably grind 
the corn of the town. The committee found their men in John 
Mitchell and Samuel Stiles, with whom they made the following 
contract : Contract — "That the sd John Mitchell and Samuel Stiles 
shall, and may, at their own proper charge and cost, policy and con- 
tinuance, build, set up, and continue from this date forever a good 
sullicient corn mill at or within four rods distance from the place 
where the present corn mill stands, together with sufhcient dam 
wdiereby the}' ma_\- be capacitated well and seasonably to grind from 
time to time and at all times successively all such corn as all, each 
and every of the inhabitants of Woodbury shall bring to sd mill to be 
ground, and which they do hereby covenant, promise and engage 
faithfully to perform well and seasonably upon the condition herein 
expressed from the date hereof forever." In consideration the com- 
mittee promised and engaged a "ten acre accommodation" as nigh 
as convenient to sd mill ; also 30 pounds were to be paid to the mutual 
satisfaction of the town and grantees, the town also agreeing to have 
all its grinding done at the mill so as it was done to the satisfaction 
of its patrons. As the location of the mill was not considered a good 
one, provision was made by grantees to establish the mill in another 
place on an accommodation of twenty-eight acres laid to Ensign 
Samuel Stiles in 1679 as Tow'n Miller. Under this agreement a new 
mill was built on the site of the present mill owned by Daniel Curtiss' 
Sons at Pomperaug. It is considered bv many that the ]:)resent 
water privilege would revert to the towai if a grist mill was not kept 



WOODBURY, CONNKCTICUT 169 

up for the acooniniodation of the public, lu 1693 John Mitchell sold 
all his rights in the com mill to his partner, Samuel Stiles, together 
with his claim of right of land and right to call on citizens for lal)or 
in making repairs in case of need. Stiles retained the property 
until 1807 when he deeded it to Joseph Allys, "late of Hatfield, now 
of Woodbury," for a consideration for sixty pounds in current 
money. The sale included all land connected with the mill. ( )ne 
hundred and twenty-two pounds conveyed all buildings and lands 
connected with the mills and the dwelling house near the site occu- 
pied by Hon. X. B. Smith. The mill must have been removed to 
where it now stands about 1703. Mr. Allys repented of his bargain 
in a short time and "sold out his rights in the new world to Adino 
Strong of the town of Darby on the Narrows," the bill bearing the 
date of September 30, 1708. A ten acre accommodation was granted 
Adino Strong in December zt^. 1748, the performing according to 
ye town in sd case, made transferable April 10, 1753. This act of 
the town makes all future transfers carry the rights granted by the 
town, and if no future act gives the grantees release from their bond 
handed down from 1691, it must be that the people can still demand 
the right to have their corn ground at the mill so carefully watched 
and guarded by the first settlers in their public acts. Tradition 
hands down from father to son the unwritten history of events and 
often the remembrance of the oldest inhabitants takes the place of 
written law. 

W'ooDi'.uRv, Coxx. W. A. Strong. 



I/O 



THE TOWX AXD PEOPLE 




WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT I/I 

June 28. 1900. — North from the Episcopal Church stands an ex- 
tensive building" recently constructed and especially designed for the 
mercantile business. Charles Al. Harvey, the owner and proprietor, 
is a prosperous merchant of twenty-two years experience. The firm 
of Seeley, Lemmon and Harvey commenced business in the store 
formerly occupied by Grandison Beardsley and Son. On the retire- 
ment of Powell G. Seeley the business was conducted by Lemmon 
and Harvey. Charles Lemmon removed to the South and Dr. M. S. 
Page became interested. During five years Page and Harvey were 
associated in the business of dry goods and general merchandise. 
Dr. Page resuming dentistry, Charles M. Harvey built the store and 
removed his interests in the business to his present location where he 
has been established eleven years. In this store of general merchan- 
dise ample space is afTorded the difterent departments which are as 
well stocked and adapted to the needs of modern times as in many 
stores in our smaller cities. Remus Harve}' has been associated in 
this business for a number of years, and is the proprietor of a well 
patronized express route to Waterbury. 

The central othce of the Woodbury Telephone system was located 
in this building in charge of the proprietors from the time that it 
was established until the recent removal to the residence of Remus 
Harv^ey. 

June 30, 1899. — The town of Woodbury being one of the oldest 
in the State has, of course, from the time of its settlement fostered 
the idea of the education of its children. Among others, the history 
of the higher grade private school houses is an interesting one. 

The oldest one so far as can be ascertained is the one conducted 
in 1820-30 by the Rev. Mr. Gilbert, an Episcopal rector, in a house, 
the location of which is in the lot on which now stands the house 
of Charles Smith. Another, taught in 1835 by Henry B. Sherman, 
was located in what is now W. B. Stiles's store. It was not until 
about 1844, however, that the private school system was started 
permanently. At that time William Cothren and afterwards L. D. 
Sprague taught a school in the basement of what is now Atwood's 
Hotel. This school expanded in 185 1 into the South Academic Asso- 
ciation, and a building now called Parker Academy was erected on 
the premises of the house that is now the residence of Mrs. Grandi- 



172 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

son Beardsley near the Town Hall. In 1849, however, there w^as a 
school taught by P. T. Babbitt in Jason Parker's store, now occu- 
pied by George Proctor. In 1848 there was a school organized in 
North Woodbury similar to Parker Academy. The first noted teacher 
of both of these schools was T. M. Thompson, a Yale graduate, and 
a fine instructor, especially proficient in the languages. The teachers 
of the North Academy were Cyrus L. Hall, Mrs. Amelia Roberts 
Sanford, Frances Cogswell, Hortensia P)Urton, who also taught in 
Hotchkissville, and lately Miss Wheeler and Rev. J. C. Wyckofif. 
The l)uilding is now used as the chapel of the North Church. The 
principals of Parker Academy, so far as can be ascertained, were 
as follows : Samuel Spooner, P. B. Hulse, Mr. Phinney, Rev. A. 
N. Lewis, Aritus G. Loomis. James Patterson, Louise Noyes, Wil- 
bur V. Rood, Edwin Tuttle, H. C. Talmage, O. C. B. Nason, Edgar 
H. Grout, Edward S. Boyd, H. B. Moore and Rev. Wm. Weeks. 
While ^Ir. Hulse was instructor in Parker Academy Mr. Thompson 
taught a select school in his residence situated on the adjoining 
premises. Some times there would be seventy-five scholars in each of 
the two schools, and it was not uncommon for six or more students 
to enter Yale or other colleges each year from these schools. Parker 
Academy was moved to its present location near the post office when 
Rev. A. N. Lewis was principal, and he conducted a boarding school 
for pupils in connection with the Parker House, then owned by 
Frederick S. Parker. Hundreds have gone out from these schools, 
but as no records are availal)le it is difficult to find out who were the 
pupils. There were, however, the following: Rev. Eugene Atwood 
of Hartford, Daniel King of Chicago, Dr. Edward Louis of Brook- 
lyn. Dr. Solomon C. Minor of New York, Mr. Castle, who settled 
in the Sandwich Islands, and has been one of the commissioners on 
education, and Henry Canfield of South Britain. Of those who live 
in town many of the leading were H. D. Curtis, N. M. Strong, 
Homer Tomlinson, G. F. Morris, G. F. Crane, A. D. Warner and 
L. P. Eastman. Some of the later ones are State Senator A. W. 
Mitchell, L. E. Dawson, George and Stephen Crane, George Stone 
and George Ford, also of Woodbury ; Coroner Higgins of Winsted, 
Lawyer Bernard Higgins of Torrington, C. A. Curtis, H. S. 
Hitchcock and S. C. Tomlinson of Woodbury. — Published in Hart- 
ford Co 11 rant. 

WooDiuKY, Coxx. George H. Fkekm.\x. 



WdoDiain-, CoXXl'X'TR'L T 



173 




JULY. 

July 4, 1859. — There is a set of men whose memory and moral 
worth should be embalmed in the heart and practiced in the life of 
each member of the old honored Pioneer church. Men that entered 
into covenant with God and one another and took their lives in their 
hands "left Egypt" and came up into this once wide howling wilder- 
ness to plant a church. Here, in this pleasant valley and mountain 
fastness they commended themselves and their cause to God ; 
they came here under the guide and direction of the Divine hand 
in possession of the promise, "Lo I am with you always even unto 
the end." A little one has under the blessing of God almost be- 
come a nation. These ecclesiastical societies, these orthodox 
churches and the fruits which the old Pioneer has borne, the second 
Congregational Church in this town, are but the other half of our- 
selves. The Episcopal Church here is one of our junior brethren; 
the Methodist Church is one of our younger sisters ; the Church in 
Southbury is Reulien the eldest ; the Church in ]'>ethlehem, a son of 
the royal family ; the Church of Washington and vSouth Farms are of 
kindred blood; the Churches of Watertown, Middlebury, Roxbury, 
and South Britain and part of ( )xford are si^iritual children. It is 
time for the church to assert her right to her sons. Her worldly com- 
petitors should not pluck the laurels from her brow and liear them 
away in triumph. Had I the strength and ])ower 1 would raise my 
voice to thunder tones and proclaim these men and their deeds im- 
mortal. We stand here to-day the representatives of a church and 
a race of men of whom the world was not worthy. On the banks 
of the river of life, these men made fast to the rush of ages by the 
everlasting couplings of a Heaven imparted faith, secured thereto 
by the Omnipotent strength of a God sustaining covenant. 

Those families as they came up from Stratford brought up the 
ark, the tabernacle and testimonv. It was of Divine direction that 



WOODBURY^ CONNECTICUT 1/5 

some order be preserved in the moving, taking up and setting down 
of the tabernacle. To effect this it was necessary to make a selection 
from these families and the name of the Minors was taken. Some 
name must be chosen by lot and the name of John was taken. Of a 
truth we can say of this man he was faithful in all his house and to 
the trusts committed to his charge ; he was a man of faith and 
prayer, who trusted in the covenant mercy of a covenant-keeping 
God. The promise is "T will be a God to thee and thy seed after thee." 
That promise had not yet failed. God has not left him without a 
man of his own name and blood for one hundred and ninety years 
to serve at the table and tabernacle of his and their convenant Lord. 
I might speak of the succession of officers in this church bearing the 
names of Minor. Samuel, Jehu. Jonah, Clement, Josiah, Mathew, 
Seth, Solomon and Nathaniel. These men were renowned for their 
piety, some of them peculiarly so for their heavenly mindedness, 
their self denial, their watchfulness and prayerfulness, their strictness 
in conversation on the Sabbath, their entire reservedness in word 
and action on that holy day, their punctuality in the house of God, 
and their attendance on all means of grace, their reading and famil- 
iarity with the Scriptures, their strict honesty between man and man, 
their law-abiding reverence of those set in authority over them, the 
utter impossibility of bribing them to do evil, their absolute hatred of 
all that was wrong, their readhiess to give and receive of the things 
that were good, their tenderness and teachableness ; in a word for 
all that makes up the Christian character in fallen man. Although 
some of the men have fallen, the weapons of their warfare have not 
perished ; they are still mighty through God to the pulling down of 
strongholds. Shall the mantle of such men fall to the ground ? Shall 
the glory depart? We are the covenant children and the promises 
are ours, that were made to our fathers and their children. We 
acknowledge God as the author of our adoption, we avouch the 
Lord Jehovah to be our God as he has been God of our fathers. 
WooDisuRY, Conn. Dea. Trum.\n Minor. 

Jii.v 4, 1865. — I know that historical writers are wont to attribute 
less to Him than to the patriotism, the unselfishness, the patient, ])er- 



176 THE TOWX AND PEOPLE 

sistent courage of our own ancestors, the adoption of that Declaration, 
its maintenance by arms and the subsequent embodiment of its prin- 
ciples in our laws. It is true our ancestors were patriotic, but what 
made them so ? These traits of character are due to potent causes. 
What made them unselfish, patriotic, patient, persistent, courageous? 
The time is coming, has come, when something more definite than 
mere vague ascriptions of such characteristics will 1)e required of 
writers who would escape the charge of Atheism or incompetency. 
The truth is, throughout the land, there were multitudes who by that 
living individual faith which with Luther liecame a common, instead 
of an isolated thing, were made recipients of heavenly influence, and 
through them, God touched the springs of public action. The Decla- 
ration of Independence was God's work through our fathers as his 
instruments. This they recognized, and this we must recognize if 
we would inter])ret rightly subsequent events. 

There was a day when white winged spirits of peace with solemn 
faces spread reluctant wings, recalled by the voice that bade messen- 
gers of woe proclaim to our land the Dies Irac, the day of wrath. 
The clouds so long rising threateningly, their vast summits blazing 
in the upper skies, their gloomy bases sweeping along the hills, sud- 
denly covered the whole heavens with a pall of night. Then with 
cannon crash, hiss of shell and roar of shot, the cloud was rent reveal- 
ing in, the lurid glare of conflagration, the stern figure Treason, 
gigantic and a])])alling, full armed, the red gauntlet of battle at his 
feet. 

Undaunted, the nation met the challenge, snatched with fiery haste 
from her historic arsenal, her spear of might and hurled it with 
angry, deadly force — then paused — checked, not by fear, but by 
astonishment, to see the flashing weapon, rebounding from his 
adamantine shield, fall harmless at her feet. Gathering superior 
energy from repulse, and rising with calm, collected miiiht to a 
conflict whose vastness had stirred the solemn li])s of prophecy 
three thousand years ago, she sent forth her splendid legions, delib- 
erately, skillfully, to give the death stroke to her enemy — then saw 
their baffled remnants shattered with shot and shell, wasted with 
pestilence, and wearv unto death march bleeding back. I'nyielding 



WOODBURY, COXNECTICLT I77 

Still, for heiiii^- of heroic blood and nurture, she could not bend her 
neck to sue, but sobbinj^-, for in all her lurid borders there was a 
sound of lamentation, mothers mourning for their children and 
refusing to be comforted because they were not, again she paused. 
In that time of agony, those whose observations were not super- 
ficial, could discern the fires of prayers, multiplying on pulilic and 
household altars, until the darkness as if Death's Angel's wing at 
length sparkled with them, all over the land, thicker than skies 
with stars. The humbled nation, willing to retrace its steps, sought 
the guidance of its Ancient Deliverer. 

Recall, O glad Americans, how, immediately, from the roaring 
turbulence the confusing whirling of the tide, there issued steady 
streams of strength, the roll of advancing drums, and trumpets 
pealing victory ! Louder grew, and more harmonious, the swell- 
ing peans, broader and smoother the flowing river, till the last ob- 
struction passed, its waters are at rest. And from the events of the 
past four years, terrible beyond precedent, no less than from the 
mingled promise and warning of the preceeding age, we derive 
the conviction, that bv Divine purpose, in this land there shall be 
liberty for all, and with liberty, prosperity and peace, unlimited, per- 
petual. — From an Oration Delivered on Independence Day. 

Woodbury, Conn. Nathaniel S.aiith. 

July 4, 1894. — Our thoughts often return in pleasant recollections 
to the celebration of Independence Day held in Woodbury on July 
4. 1894. 

The plan was brought to the attention of the people by our enter- 
prising local paper, the "Reporter." A meeting was held at the 
office of Hons. James Huntington and A. D. Warner, a general 
gathering in the Town Hall, and the final arrangements were com- 
pleted in Strong's Hall. With a patriotic enterprise that has always 
been a characteristic of the town of Woodbury, and the co-operation 
and support of all the leading citizens, preparations were com- 
pleted for a brilliant celebration. The following committees were 
appointed: Executive committee, Rev. J. L. R. Wyckoff, Dr. D. R. 
Rodger, G. P. Crane, George Terrill and yi. F. Skelly : parade 



1/8 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

committee. E .W. Pond, chairman. H. C. Smith, Frank Hitchcock ; 
reception committee, A. E. Knox, E. W. Pond ; music committee, 
N. M. Strong, J. H. Linsley, Alex. Gordon and D. B. Burton. At 
sunrise a salute of guns was given from Orenaug Rocks, followed 
by a merry chime of bells from all the church towers. All resi- 
dences and public buildings were tastefully decorated in flags and 
national colors, and soon the sections of the parade began moving 
toward the place of assembling near the residence of J. H. Linsley. 

At an early hour, hundreds of people had arrived to witness or 
participate in the celebration, and all available place and every 
intersecting road was occupied along the line of the proposed route. 
All was in readiness at lo a. m., under the skillful management of 
Marshal E. W. Pond and his efficient aides : First division, A. W. 
Mitchell, Frank W. Hitchcock ; second division, J. E. Roberts and 
George Terrill ; third division, Gideon Allen and Howard Minor; 
fourth division, Stephen Crane and F. R. Ford. Following the 
aides was the Hartford Drum Corps, carriages containing the presi- 
dent of the day, Hon. William Cothren, Prof. John K. Bucklyn of 
Mystic, orator, with other distinguished guests, and carriage con- 
taining the oldest native residents, Mr. Horace Manville, a cen- 
tenarian, and George Nelson Judson. ninety-one years of age. 

A series of floats were then seen approaching bright with waving 
colors, starry flags fluttering in the cool breeze of the morning, and 
tall standards bearing the national colors, each one being of especial 
beauty in design and decoration. The national floats represented 
the United States Government and Freedom protected l)y the Army 
and Navy, the Thirteen Original States, and America. Then fol- 
lowed a series of fine representation of the different business in- 
terests of the town. 

L. E. Dawson, Dry Goods, Clothing and Groceries ; C. E. Win- 
ton, Lumber, Coal, Flour and Feed; F. R. Smith, Blacksmith; N. 
M. Strong, Drugs and Hardware; W. J. and W. E. Wells, Boots 
and Shoes ; W. H. Colepaugh, Tonsorial Artist ; F. F. Hitchcock, 
Plumber and Hardware; C. M. Harvey, Dry Goods, Clothing and 
Groceries ; Remus Harvey, W^oodbury and Waterbury Stage ; 
Tames Bovce, U. S. Mail; Elliot Hinman, Forestry; G. N. Proc- 



\VOODBURV_, COXNKCTICUT 179 

tor. Dry Goods and Groceries; L. Y. Ketcham, M. D., Drug Store; 
A .C. Peck, Dentist ; W. G. Smith, Sewing Machines ; G. F. Morris, 
Dry Goods and Groceries; G. S. Allen, Florist; Erwin Dawson, 
Boots and Shoes; Joseph Hall, lUacksmith ; Dawson and Dakin, 
Carriages. 

The second division included ancient vehicles, the fine e(|uipages 
and costumes of one hundred years ago. Among those who par- 
ticipated were Roderick Atwood, John H. Minor, George Cowles 
and Howard Cartwright. With these were Trotting Horses, Comic 
Figures, M. F. Skelly's float from the Klondike, and a large repre- 
sentation from Hotchkissville. A delegation from Watertown of 
Knights of Pythias, led by the Watertown Band, was succeeded by 
others from the adjoining towns. The parade reassemliled at the 
speaker's stand for the exercises of the day announced by Hon. 
William Cothren. A fine selection was given by the bantl, fol- 
lowed by a trained choir of fortx' voices, led by N. M. Strong, H. 
W. Beecher presiding at the organ. Rev. J. L. R. WyckoiT offered 
prayer. Dr. D. R. Rodger read the Declaration of Independence, 
Prof. J. K. Bucklyn gave the oration, closing with an original ])oem. 
D. H. Judd also contributed a fine poem for the occasion. 

A fine display of fireworks in the evening was enjoyed by a large 
gathering, and closed the celebration. 

Woodbury, Conn. Julia Minor Stroxg. 

]v\.\ 5, 1859. — Three or four days ago there appeared upon this 
ground a tent and arrangements for public s])eaking. At about 
this time a programme was put into my hands in which I found to 
my dismay that I was put down for a speech. I know this tent ; it 
is the Yale College tent. Its associations seemed to seal my mouth 
and impose on me silence. I have for years been a regular pil- 
grim to the shadows of this tent as a devout worshipper at the 
shrine of my Alma Mater. Under it I have been accustomed to listen 
to words of wisdom as dispensed by wiser, better and older men, in 
whose presence I knew only to be silent. I seem to see the vener- 
able and venerated form of President Day, and as if to keep up the 
illusion I see before me on the stasfe Professors Knight and Dut- 



i8o TIIK TOWN AND PEOPLE 

ton. Under these circumstances, sir, I came up here this afternoon 
feehni;" hopelessly hankrupt for a speech. 1 am not a native of Wood- 
bury ; I feel as if 1 were a trespasser, yet I heartily thank the com- 
mittee for assigning me a part here. 1 am ingrafted stock, but I have 
taken some root, and once before, i believe, 1 took occasion to say on 
this very ground I had made a mark that nothing but an earthquake 
can efface. I remember the first Woodbury man I ever saw. You 
will not wonder why I chose W oodbury as a place of settlement 
when I tell you 1 took him for a sample of the people. He is the 
man who honors and adorns our noble festival, our glorious cen- 
tennial, as its presiding officer, Hon. X. B. Smith. May I be per- 
mitted to say if I have put forth any diligence that entitles me to 
stand here to-day in the presence of princes, yea of kings, and more 
than kings, I owe it to words of encouragement graciously spoken by 
him long years ago. 

Air. President, it is to me the central point of interest in the whole 
occasion to meet you here. I am filled with emotion. The date 
of the time I allude to scares me. My memory is tenacious of dates 
and I will give it. It was in the fall of 1828. Oh! the record of 
thirty years is on me and on you. It has carried me along from the 
boy of scarce ten Summers to the meridian of life. It has carried 
you along from the dark hair and bloom of youth to the twilight 
grey of life's evening. God grant that this evening may be as long, 
as calm, as happy as your life has been exemplary, beautiful and 
useful. But, sir, it was assigned as my part to respond to "The 
Early Schools of Ancient Woodbury." To speak of the schools of 
Ancient Woodbury is to speak of the Puritan schools, a subject, I 
take, it needs no illustrating from me. The Puritan schools have 
long since gained the acknowledgment of being the main human 
agency in the immense moral force exhibited by New England 
throughout her whole past history. Their influence has gone forth 
Hke streams in the desert to make glad and bless humanity. 

WOOD15LRY, Conn. Thomas Merritt Thompson, A. M. 



WOODBURY, COXNKCTICIT 



I8l 




1 82 THK Town and PUOPLr; 

Jl'lv 8, lyoi. — Two words constantly associate themselves in my 
mind with the name of this town ; it is always to me, ancient and 
beautiful Woodbury. Whether one ascends the Observatory in 
Orenaug- Park or climbs our Pisgah, Good Hill, and "views the 
landscape o'er,"" he is entranced by the rich and varied panorama 
which Nature spreads with lavish hand before his glad eyes. Little 
wonder is it that the original Pilg"rim settlers spied out the goodly 
valley of the Pomperaug as a likely place for themselves and their 
numerous and worthy prog:eny. 

In a region so beautiful can there be anything unlovely? While 
Nature through her nnriad voices is telling us gently yet persist- 
ently to be good, to be true, and to make our lives beautiful, is it 
possible that anyone will prefer to be vile and hateful ? 

Had we eyes to see we could read other books than those on the 
Library's shelves. The babbling brooks that go on forever, "while 
men may come and men may go,"" contain books more thrilling and 
fascinating than the widely advertised works of fiction. The moral 
they teach is that we should be pure like their own crystaline waters, 
and, leaving the dross and waste of life in the sedge along the 
banks, press on to the sea, 

"To him, who in the love of Nature 
Holds commuiiidn with her visil)le forms," 

the trees have tongues, as another poet tells us, and they whisper 
many a charming tale in the ears of him who hath ears to hear. 
Yes, and there are sermons in the stones, so silent and so steadfast. 

Aly word to the people of Woodbury is, appreciate and enjoy 
this preliminary Paradise, being ever watchful that no serpent blight 
and blast the Lord's Garden. Join the chorus of the "feathered 
minstrels that sing among the branches" in a ceaseless Te Deum of 
gratitude for the gift of life, and life in such a place: and after- 
wards. ms.\ you join the Choir Invisible in the "lietter country."" 

\\ooDi5L-RY, Conn. James H. Lockwood, 

Pastor Methodist Episcopal Church. 



WUOUBUKV^ CU.NMvCTlCUT 183 

July 13, 1900. — On July 13, 1900, an Audubon Society was or- 
ganized in Woodbury, auxiliary to the State Society, and consisting 
of twelve members. The object of this society is the protection 
of birds and to gain information in regard to them. The officers 
are a President, \'ice-President, Secretary and Treasurer ; also two 
Directors, one of which is the local Secretary of the State Society. 
Meetings have been held each month in the year. At these meetings, 
in which the officers preside, selections al)out the birds were read and 
other appropriate topics were considered. The society increased in 
membership and the meetings were very interesting. 

Woodbury, Coxn. Frank W. Stroxg, 

Secretary. 

July 13. 1885. — Suffice to say that at the age of more than three 
score years and ten, some of my most vivid and pleasant recollec- 
tions are associated with the days and scenes of my childhood and 
youth. AI}- father. Petit Galpin, was the miller at Weekeepeemee 
for a number of years, and sold the mill to Nathan Pierce in 1834. 
It was afterwards owned by Calvin Downes. In the year 1830 my 
father built a small house near the mill in Weekeepeemee, and from 
his well known views on the temperance cjuestion, I remember hear- 
ing the lovers of rum say that the frame could not be raised, without 
he furnished the liquor for it. liear in mind that cider was not in- 
terdicted in the pledge at that time. However, the day came and 
the invitations were given Avith some trepidation to "come to the 
raising." Refreshments were furnished in abundance, and cider 
too, and the frame went up, the men going home sober. By many 
it was considered a great event, as it was such an innovation on a 
long established custom. Well, it did esta1)lish a new order of 
things ; the leaven began to work and temperance discussion and ef- 
fort went on. 

Leman W. Galpin. M. D. 

Milan, Ohio, later Eaton Rapids, Mich. 

July 16, 1898. — I have now been camped here with my nephew 
and a young man from San Francisco for the past three weeks, our 
tent on the beach about fiftv feet from water at hiHi tide. This 



184 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

is a l)eautiful little bay, letting" in from Lynn Canal, and is much 
sheltered, especially from the southeast, and small boats often run 
in here to avoid the strong blow from that direction. The scenery 
is (|uite grand. In all directions are steep mountains running up 
from two to five thousand feet high and some of them capped 
with snow. The Haines Mission consists of forty l)uildings, in- 
cluding' one merchandise store, one building- bearing" the name. 
Hotel Haines in large letters, the Mission School House, which is 
quite a nice large Iniilding, and the home of the missionary. The 
balance are Indian houses built pretty close to the water. Many of 
them are neatl\- ])ainted and I should judge pretty well occupied. 

A few days ago it looked very much as if they would h& homeless, 
as a fire that had l)een smouldering in the timl^er back of the villag^e 
was rekindled Ijy a strong west wind and swept on and almost 
smothered them in heat and smoke. The Indians proved to be very 
poor fighters of fire. l)ut turned their attention picking" up every- 
thing they had and getting it into their canoes. The Jew merchant 
also was liadly frightened, as he said he had no insurance, and g"ot 
nearly all of his stufif out. The balance of us fought the fire as 
best we could, water not being very handy, and when within abotit 
a hundred yards of the line of buildings, some partially cleared off 
ground, no brush and quite a growth of green vegetation enabled 
us to get the fiames under control with loss of Init one house. 

Within a distance of probably not more than ten miles each way 
from here, there are no less than four rivers running" into this water- 
way. They are the Chilkat, Khatschin, Dehsanka and the Chilkoot. 
I'hese rivers, as all Alaska rivers are said to be, are very rapid. 
Gold in limited quantities has been found on some of them, but on 
account of the swift water they are hard to prospect, as a boat can- 
not be moved up them for but little distance, and when you come 
to pulling a boat up with a rope and having to cross and recross. as 
you are shut oft' by perpendicular motmtains, it becomes difficult 
and dangerous work, and it is etpially so in coming down, \\diile 
vou can come very quickly, you have to get in the boat, guide it the 
best vou can and let her go. A party of seven men who are now 
camped here by me, government engineers, who were about twelve 



\\uudi;lrv, cu.NXECTiciT 185 

miles up the Khatschin on the Canadian lioundary Hne survey, 
started down in their two boats. One, containing four men was 
smashed into kindhng- wood and the men narrowly esca'ped drown- 
ing. And this, too, was quite a loss to Uncle Sam, as the l^oat cost 
him one hundred and twenty-five dollars, and coming just now 
when he needs his money to buy ammunition to smash Spanish 
boats with. There have been some very good prospects found up this 
stream a little way. Two partners started, one of them wanted 
to return ; they did so, separated and one went home to Seattle ; the 
other thought he could not go it alone, so we bought his boat. He 
(the Dutchman) said his partner had "cool feets." We made a 
little trip up the Dehsanka. In going up we got into a little in- 
land bay, perhaps a couple of miles long and one wide, the moun- 
tains running up on either side three or four thousand feet. As 
you approach the river it narrows down, so at low tide the river 
spreads over a sandy bar about a half a mile wide and running in 
several small channels, and a little farther up it narrows into one 
solid channel. You can only row a boat up as far as the tide afifects 
the streams, and right from here is one of the prettiest views you 
can possibly imagine. Looking up this great canyon, at the head of 
it, is seen an immense glacier starting at a high pointed mountain 
perfectly white with snow. As it leads down into the canyon glisten- 
ing as the sun shines on it, the glacier seems to be in monstrous 
waves or a series of Niagara Falls one below the other, and the 
mirage in this little inland sea is something grand. The water was 
as smooth as glass the morning we were there and the mirage was 
as perfect as that at the famed Mirror Lake of Yosemite (and I 
have seen that lots of times) and much more extensive. There were 
a few seals in this water. We pulled our boat up a short distance, 
tied it up and started on foot, thinking perhaps we might get to this 
glacier, but after tramping through a pretty tough thicket for four 
hours, with mosquitoes a hundred to the square inch, and it looked 
about as far away as when we left our boat, we concluded to return. 
We saw some very large bear tracks and where they had laid in the 
thicket. Have since learned that this is a favorite hunting ground 
for the Indians. We have also been up the Chilkoot River to the 



l86 THE TOWN AXD i'^Ol'l^li 

Indian Village of Chilkoot. This is a great salmon lishing ground, 
and nearly all the Indians from here go up there to cateh and dry 
their Winter food. We caught plenty of the finest speckled trout 
I ever had an experience with — fine hig fellows they are. rialilnit 
and fiounders are to be caught in the bay. 

Our papers come far between and are rather old when we get 
them here from below, but we read them all the same. We have 
lots of daylight to read by in this country. C )ne can read every 
hotir in the twenty-four here now. Don't you know if it wasn't for 
the long dark nights they have in the Winter 1 should lie in- 
clined to believe the good Lord is a little suspicious of the people in 
this country by keeping so much daylight on them. How would 
the ranchers of San Joaquin Valley like these kind of days to run 
their harvesters. Nearly every day we see a steamer passing up 
and down. There is a little steamer running between Juneau and 
vSkaguay. She stops here every day for mail and passengers. — Pub- 
lished in Modesto, ( Cal.) Herald. 

Haixes Mission, Alaska. Stepiiek H. Crane. 

Ji'EV 17, 1900. — Having been away from W^oodbury for more 
than eighteen years there are many pleasant recollections ; also de- 
scriptions of Oklahoma, the "Land of the fair God," that would be 
interesting were I able to write them. "Oklahoma the much- 
talked-of and written-about country, was opened for settlement on 
April 22, 1889. Up to that time the occasional traveller saw only 
Indians, herds of cattle and miles 01 prairie grass. To-day the 
scene has changed ; commodious houses, well filled granaries and 
barns, and well bred stock has taken the place of the long horn and 
the Imcking bronco. 

Logan County is located in the central part of Oklohama and has 
long been looked upon by the home seeker as the ideal location. 
Thousands have taken the opportunity of locating where all kinds 
of agricultural products can be raised. Corn, cotton and wheat 
grow side by side, while castor beans, kaffir corn, oats and rye come 
in for a full share of recognition. Thousands of acres are set to well 
budded peach trees, the fruit of which goes into market in Chicago, 



WOODr.L'RV, COXXKCTICLT iS/ 

St. Louis and Denver alongside of the California peach. Pears, 
plums, cherries and apricots do well here, while blackberries, rasp- 
berries and strawberries are sources of great revenue. 

Guthrie, the capital and county seat of Logan County, has had a 
wonderful growth, springing into existence as it by magic, and 
to-day is proud of thirteen thousand enterprising, wide awake in- 
habitants. The city has sixty-two miles of graded streets, resi- 
dences and business blocks. On the south of the city is a pleasant 
park known for its niviting coolness and pleasant evening entertain- 
ments. The city is lighted with an electric plant, and with its own 
water works system and splendid fire department is safe from any 
serious losses by lire. Secret societies are well represented. The 
Masons are now building a twenty thousand dollar temple. Early 
in the history of Guthrie religious denominations built good substan- 
tial church edifices until there are now nineteen church edifices with 
a large membership to each denomination. School facilities are 
good, with four large modern school buildings. A cotton seed oil 
mill is one of the largest enterprises of the kind. The products of 
this institution go to feed many thousands of cattle that are shipped 
here for fattening. It is a sight worth seeing. 

A tirst-class ice factory furnishes ice to the city as well as several 
surrounding towns. W'e have elevators, flour mills, three cotton 
gins, laundries, National and Territorial banks, opera house, stock 
yards and wagon factories, and there still exist many chances for 
investors and manufacturers." 

E. J. Blackman, 

Guthrie, Oklahoma. Notary Public. 

July i8, 1900. — In reply I will send a brief account of the city of 
our adoption. 

Los Angeles is the metropolis of South California. Its fame is 
world-wide on account of its natural advantages and unsurpassed 
climate. The city is surrounded by cultivated farms and beautiful 
suburban homes. It is well paved, well lighted and has a complete 
sewer system, fine street railways, over two hundred churches, all 
denominations are represented, tirst-class hotel accommodations, 



t88 



THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 



and i)arks of i^reat lieauty. There are rtfty-three modern school 
buildings which are the city's pride. The pnl)lic library is one of 
the most complete and efhcient in the L'nited States. 

The Winter season is heralded by a beautiful green on the hillside. 
After the first rain, the morning and evenings are cooler, l)ut flowers 
are not injured and the delicate hot house mse l)ushes of the East, 
Inirdened with blossoms are seldom touched In- frost. The heat of 
Summer is never oppressive — a delightful l)reeze from the ocean 
tem|)ers the heat. Much more could be said in description of this 
love!}' climate. 

Los AXGEI.KS, C.\I,. C. R. LEA\KX WORTH. 




.ST. PALES i;i'ISCOPAE CIll'RCIL 



JuEv H), 1900. — There are a few facts and dates with regard to 
the establishment of a congregation and the l-»uilding of a house of 
worship by the Episcopalians in \\'oodl)ury that might well be re- 
corded in tangil)le form. 



wooDHLRv, coxxl;cticut 189 

In 1732 the Rev. Samuel Johnson, D. D., of Stratford, held ser- 
vices occasionally in the south part of Woodhtn-y which has since be- 
come Southbury. He engaged in a lengthy discussion with the Rev. 
Mr. Graham, pastor of the Congregational Society of that town. 
This discussion was the means of bringing several influential families 
into the Episcopal Church, and it was the Rev. John Ileach of New- 
town who organized them into a society in 1740. A church was 
])uilt in what is now the town of Roxbury and was long known as 
the "old Episcopal Church in Roxburv."" I'ut services were also 
held in the Town House in Woodbury. 

In 1771 the Rev. John Rutgers jMarshall was settled in Wood- 
bury, where he resided continuously until the time of his death, 1789. 
Roxbury and W^oodbury were his special care, but from time to time 
other places were dependent upon his ministratic^ns. 

For more than 14 years Mr. Marshall held services in the old 
Town House in Woodbury, when it was decided to build a church. 
Mr. Marshall moved his family to his own house and the old Glebe 
was disposed of, the proceeds being appropriated toward the erec- 
tion of a church. A committee was appointed at a parish meeting 
held January 10, 1785, to augment the fund already on hand. Feb- 
ruary 23 they reported to the society that they had secured sufficient 
money. It was then decided to proceed to the building of a house 
of worship in accordance with the action taken at the January meet- 
ing, when it was voted "that the place wdiereon the house shall be 
erected shall be in the cross highwav near Sherwood's sho]) and 
as nigh the burying ground as may be with convenience." 

It was necessary to obtain the consent of the First Society before 
the work could be begun. This was given on the 9th day of May, 
1785. when it was voted at a legal meeting "that the Episcopal 
Societ}' in this town have the liberty to build a church in the north- 
east corner of the burying yard." 

All things were now ready and in a short time the frame of the 
church was up, but it was a number of years before the interior was 
finished. It is a matter of interest that Mr. Marshall donated the 
nails and window glass. The church was com])leteK' finished inside 



I go 



THE TOWN AXD PEOPLE 



and out in 1814, and stood free from debt when it was dedicated in 
1822 In- the Rt. Rev. T. C. Brownell. D. D. LL. D., Bishop of Con- 
necticut. 

WooDui'RY, CoxN. L. R. Stikefield, 

Rector St. Paul's Episcopal Church. 




THE OI.EliE TlOl'SE. 



J^I,^■ 20. icjoo. — In that part of the town kncnvn as the "Hollow" 
is situated the historic "(ilelic House." This house was built in 
colonial days, Ijein^' occupied durini^' the Revolutionary War by the 
Rev. John Rutgers Marshall, a missionary of the Society for the 
Propat^ation of the Gospel and first rector of St. i'aul's Church. 

On March 2^. 1783, ten of the fourteen T{pisco])al clergymen of 
Connecticut met in the northeast room of this house and elected the 
Rev. Samuel Seaburv bishop of Connecticut. He was consecrated 
in Aberdeen, Scotland, November 13, 17S4, and was the first bishop 
of the Episco])al Church in .\merica. 



WOODBURY, CONXKCTICUT I9I 

The old Glebe House has lately Ijeen repaired and made a pleasant 
and comfortable residence. It is now the property of the "Society 
for Aged and Infirm Clergy Fund" of the diocese of Connecticut. 

Woodbury, Conx. E-m:\ia Andrews Shea. 

July 22. 1900. — -After crossing the Pomperaug and ascending the 
hill from the "West Side," a beautiful view of a shaded street and 
verdant green of lawn and meadow with neatly kept ancient houses 
of "The Hollow" meet the eye. 

Gazing on this quiet nook it would require a vivid imagination to 
picture it as the center of Woodbury's former activities. But such 
was the case, as in most New England villages. Here was the 
boarding and select school. From 1809 to 1827 the house now oc- 
cupied by Air. Charles K. Smith was the rectory for St. Paul's 
church. For seven years the Rev. Mr. Welton kept a boarding 
school for boys and a day school for the townspeople. A red building 
in the southeast corner of the yard was the academy. Everything 
was taught there from the dead languages and the cathecism, to 
sewing, manners and morals. Rev. Mr. Gilbert was Mr. Wel- 
ton 's successor until 1827, when the school was moved to the Hollow 
store. 

On the south side of the road stands the historic "Glebe House" 
for a long time occupied by Mr. Gideon Botsford. He was a gold 
and silver smith. His shop stood a few rods east of his house, a 
long low building. Its front was one large window of many small 
panes of glass. Here all the time pieces of a large district about 
were repaired, and many of the older inhabitants of this vicinity 
show with pride the heavy silver spoons which he fashioned out of 
the silver coin they brought to him and bear his name as maker. 
Across the street where Mr. Shea now lives was the ancient tavern, 
but later it was used as a tin shop. Sanford and Dayton sent out 
twenty or more carts with every article of tin and wooden ware then 
in use. They went as far west as Buffalo, north to the Canadian 
line, south to Philadelphia and east to Providence. 

The next building east was the "Hollow Store," owned by Jabez 
Bacon who lived in the house next to it. The storv of Mr. Bacon 



192 



the; town and people; 




WUODUURV, CO^iNUCTlCUT 193 

buying' up the salt pork market of the country is too well known to 
repeat. He kept everything from rum and molasses to the inevitable 
calico and black silk. He also sent out Yankee notion peddlers all 
over the country. ( )ne of these peddlers drove into a tavern yard 
over "to York State" and was jokingly asked if he had any wooden 
nutmegs for sale. He said he was sorry but was just out of them, 
but would supplv them on his next trip. He had some turned out 
and they were so natural that they could not be distinguished from 
the real. And Connecticut has the game as well as the name of 
selling wooden nutmegs. Mr. Daniel Curtiss succeeded Mr. l;)acon 
and at the same time carried on a large business in German-silver. 
This was pronounced better than silver because it was stronger. The 
shop was a long building opposite the store. Thimbles and spoons 
were made there, and it is said the first cutlery in the United States 
was made there by a Frenchman by the name of Peltreau. He 
understood the art of tempering steel and made knives by hand. 
Next "The Village Smithy stands," and for more than a century, 

"Week in, week out, from morn till night. 

Yon can hear his bellows blow : 
You can hear him swing his heavy sledge 

With measured beat and slow." 

This, the last surviving industry of this once thriving and hustling 
comer of Woodbury, the hipped and strapping roofs and dormer win- 
dows, paneled walls and vast fire places still stand attractive in 
their great age to tell the story of more than a century. But richer 
far the story of some who commenced life or a business career here, 
one of whom, had the honor to represent his government in more 
than one foreign court in Europe. 

Another laid down his young life in a distant land where he labored 
for a few brief years as a missionary of the cross. Still another 
became a great railroad king and multi-millionaire, and many more 
from here have done life's work nobly and well. 

Woodbury, CoNxV. Mrs. Charles K. Smith. 

July 23, 1900. — About ninety years ago a little girl called upon 
Mrs. Bacon and asked for a situation. Mrs. ]'>. looked at her in sur- 



194 THE TOWX AND PEOPLE 

prise and said : "I have all the help I need at present, but what could 
such a little girl do. How old are you?" "I am thirteen and I can 
do a great deal," was the reply. "Have you no home, or are you so 
poor as to seek work at your age ? Your dress and general appear- 
anace does not indicate poverty." "It is not that. I have a com- 
fortable home, but am anxious to fit myself for a teacher, but my 
father thinks that district schools afford ample learning for women 
and refuses to pay my expenses at the Academy. I want to attend 
Mr. Gilbert's school a year and must find some way to pay my ex- 
penses.". Mrs. Bacon replied : "Well, such energy and ambition 
should be rewarded. I will make a place for you. My husband is 
away from home much of the time and you shall stay here. I shall 
be glad of your company, and assistance in the care of this little 
child." 

The little girl remained there a year attending school and assisting 
Mrs. Bacon. At the age of fourteen she commenced as a successful 
school teacher. Through the aid of influential friends she was en- 
abled to go to Poughkeepsie where she continued an honored in- 
structor for many years — Reminiscence of Mrs. Jahe::: Bacon. 

Woodbury, Conn. Mrs. Aurelia Lambert. 

It may not be generally known that the late C. P. Huntington, 
who died leaving an estate of seventy millions, once lived in the 
Daniel Curtis place in the Hollow, and had charge of a "tin cart," in 
the sales from which he laid the foundation of his great fortune. — 
IVoodhury Reporter. 

July 24, 1900. — In looking over my papers I find the inclosed 
Hymn. It was read at the Dedication of our Chapel in Madison on 
Thursday evening of July 24, [884. This Chapel was a pet project 
of my husliand. He raised the money for it, engaged the architect, 
supervising it constantly during its erection, making needed changes 
and had the satisfaction of seeing it completed as he wished and 
adapted to the people's needs. It has an audience room capable of 
seating several hundred people, double parlors with folding doors 
for sewing society and social gatherings, a kitchen and pantry. It 



\VUUDUL'R\\, LU.NXECTICUT I95 

Stands in its completeness as his .Aiemorial, after a ministry of 
twenty-eight years among- them. 

We bring to-day, an offering Lord ! 

1 his temple fair to see — 
Ciiild of our faith and love and prayer, 

W'e leave it. Lord, with Thee ! 

Come Thou and dwell within its walls. 

Divine, Almighty Friend ! 
("Irant here some foretaste of that love 

Which Time nor Death shall end. 

Speak to Thy people here and now. 

As once to him of old — 
"I will abide within thy house." 

O word of grace untold ! 

And when returns this sacred hour 

With prayer and song we meet ; 
Refresh us with thy presence, Lord ! 

Communion pure and sweet. 

Take all our hearts into Thine own 

And mold us to Thy will ; 
To every doubting struggling soul 

Here speak the "Peace, be still !" 

Here may the wanderer find his Lord 

And feel his sins forgiven. 
And learn the sweetness of that name 

Which makes the joy of Heaven. 

And children throng in joyous bands 

Their trusting hearts to bring. 
While infant voices swell the song 

"Hosanna to our King!" 

The social hour, the kindly gift, 

Which willing hands bestow. — 
H touched by Thee grow pure and sweet. 

And mirror Heaven below. 



Ig6 TIIK TOWN' AND PEOPLE 

So warm our hearts to others needs, 

And grant us here to prove 
Our kinship to the Master's heart 

By golden deeds of love, 

Till all the place shall be a home 

Ot love, and joy, and peace; 
Where strife and discord cannot come. 

Nor ministries can cease. 

Where year by year one purpose grows 

In manhood, age and youth ; 
Our words, our thoughts, our lives to bind 

"To Friendship, Love and Truth." 

M.^DisoN, Conn. Ch.\ri,otte Andrew G.\i,lup. 

July 26. 1900. — From the days of the Revokitionary War, when 
Hitchcock's block was a depot of stippHes from this valley to the 
American Army, to the enterprising- modern Woodbury of to-day 
this location has been, and is, one of the centers of business activity. 

F. F. Hitchcock, the owner of the block, is the proprietor of this 
large hardware and plumbing" establishment, and a merchant of 
thirty years experience. He is a representative of the town in the 
present Legislature. 

Commencing as a merchant in the Hollow, in the year 1870, on 
becoming the purchaser of this location, the business was trans- 
ferred to Main Street in July, 1876. During the past thirty-five 
years the building has received several extensive additions until it 
now occupies a large front on Main Street and includes sections to 
the north and west. This store carries a large stock of goods, and 
the patrons include the citizens of the various towns about this 
vallev. Henry Hitchcock, his son, has been identified with the busi- 
ness for several years. 

The meat market, of which T. L Shea is proprietor, and the 
Woodbury bakery are situated in this building. The "Woodbury Re- 
porter" and Printery, A. E. Knox, editor and publisher, is located 
in this block. Woodbury is most fortunate in having a bright, in- 
teresting weekly paper that is always ready to aid in advancing the 



WOODBURY,, CONNECTICUT 



197 




198 TJLK TOWN AND I'l'OPLK 

interests of the town and i)eople, and is in keeping" with the progress 
of the times. To prove its value we have only to contrast otir 
steady advancement during- the past twenty-five years with those 
towns who liave not such benefits. 

Situated north from Hitchcock's block is the Iniilding occupied by 
W . Al. Stiles, one of our leading merchants. After having success- 
full}' conducted btisiness in Danbury for a numbers of years, he re- 
moved to Woodl)ury, and is a most valued citizen, continuing a thriv- 
ing" Imsiness as a n"ierchant dealing in fruits, groceries and g"eneral 
merchandise. 

July 30, igoo. — The Woodbury Water Company was incorpor- 
ated at the January session of the General Assembly, A. D., 1893. 
Incorporators : W'alter S. Curtiss, Horace D. Curtiss, Julius H. 
Cowles, Asahel W. Mitchell, Floyd F. Hitchcock, Charles W. Har- 
very, Arthur D. Warner. 

First meeting of the stockholders of the Woodbury Water Com- 
pau}' was held at the office of Huntington and Warner February 15, 
1894. The temporary officers were Walter S. Curtiss, chairman; 
Asahel W. Mitchell, clerk. It was voted to accept the charter. The 
following" directors were chosen: (). R. Tyler, A. \\'. Mitchell, 
J. L. R. Wyckofif, N. M. Strong, A. D. Warner, H. D. Curtiss, W. 
S. Curtiss. ( )rg"anized by charter with $to,ooo capital stock. In- 
creased at this meeting to $15,000 capital stock. 

At the first directors' n"ieeting held after the above stockholders' 
meeting" the following officers w-ere elected : Horace D. Curtiss, 
President ; Asahel W. Mitchell, Secretary and Treasurer. 

At a directors' meeting held March 3, 1894, A. D. Warner and 
H. I). Curtiss were authorized to render contracts for building dam 
and laying pipe and to employ a hydraulic engineer. 

r.y-laws adopted June 14, 1894. Rules and regulations adopted 
June 14, 1804. Fifteen hydrants were set and rented to the 
Orenaug fire district May i, 1896. These have been increased to 19. 
A dividend of 2 per cent. February 15, 1896. The capital stock was 
increased to $17,000 February 22, 1897. August i, 1897, the semi- 
annual dividend was increased to 23/2 per cent. 



\VU01J13LKV, COXXKCTICLT lyy 

The directors of the company have in the state of construction a 
storage reservoir ahout three-quarters of a mile above the present 
(Hstributing- one, which will be completed in the spring of igoi. 
The capacity of the present reservoir is about 900,000 gallons. The 
new one is to be many times larger. 

There has been no change of directors from the beginning or 
of oflicers. 

The water is certified to be pure and healthy by the State Chemist. 

WOODHLKV, COXX. .A.SA1IEL W. MlTCIlELI-, 

Secretary. 

Jllv 31, 1901. — It has been luy privilege to work for the Master 
on the Mission F'ield in India for more than nine years. One 
cannot but feel the loneliness of the situation, and was it not for the 
fact that the Master had sent forth, and that in spite of circum- 
stances He was guiding and restraining, one would give up in dis- 
couragement. Since leaving the field on furlough, it has come so 
often to my mind how much T owe to Christian parents, and to a 
Christian home where from my earliest recollections I listened to 
the daily reading of God's word, and saw its precepts practised. 
The contrast of my home life and that of the Hindu child seems 
strongly marked, and one cannot but question why was this my 
privilege and not theirs, and why did our Anglo-Saxon race have 
this knowledge of the true God and these the descendants of the 
same Aryan stock remain in ignorance of it ? 

It has been an encouragement amid all the dark pictures to see 
the bright ones of those who have come out of darkness into His 
light, and to see Christian homes among them, where just as in my 
own, the true God is honored and His word the guide. These, our 
brothers and sisters, have a darker skin than our own. and our 
languages are different, yet when once the light has entered the 
heart, we all seem one in Christ and w()rkers in a common cause. 

The harvest is great and the laborers few. God grant that among 
the yoimg people of ^^^oodburv there may be those who will go 
forth to lal)or with Him in the dark jjortions of the earth. 

XoKTiI W'ooiMUKV, CoXX. E.MILV T. MiXOR. 



AUGUST. 

August i, 1900. — Woodbury! There is music in the sound. 
"Beautiful for situation," with sak;l)rious chmate, unrivahed scenery, 
romantic legends and a noble history ; it is a town of which any one 
may feel proud to be or to have been a citizen. Its name revives 
pleasant memories of boyhood days, when for eight years I climbed 
its hills, roamed through its valleys, fished in its streams and toiled 
and sweat in Summer on the farm of good Deacon Xathaniel Minor, 
and in Winter attended school in the little Minortown school house 
on the bank above the river, beside which, on the plain below the 
school house, with other boys I played ball and did many tilings be- 
sides stud}-. I remember the Saturday night prayer meetings which 
were held at private houses and well attended and very interesting. 
Twice during those years there was a religious revival ; one during 
the last year of the pastorate of Rev. Mr. lirownwell, and one soon 
after his successor. Rev. Mr. Churchill, became pastor. Woodbury 
people in those days made a business of going to church, and on 
Sabbath days large congregations gathered in the Xorth Church, 
many coming several miles, bringing their lunch and staying to the 
afternoon service. After Sunday School, which was largely at- 
tended, the groups gathered about the sheds and inside the church, 
discussed the news of the day and various matters terrestrial and 
celestial, and after the closing benediction, lines of carriages and 
farm wagons might lie seen wending their way in every direction, 
conveying the worshippers to their homes where they partook of 
a good "Sunday dinner," discussed the sermon, did the "chores" and 
rested content with the happy consciousness of a "Sabbath well 
spent.." The Rev. Mr. Brownell, whom I remember well, was 
dismissed and the Rev. Mr. Churchill called and settled in his place. 
I remember the installation, which was a great occasion. The large 
choir, drilled and led by Frederick Walker, made the church ring 



WOODBL'RV, COXXRCTKIT 20I 

with their hymns ami anthems, and the memhers, especially the 
females, dressed in their I)est, ])resented a tine appearance. Mr. 
Churchill was a young man and soon married, and I had the honor 
of taking to New Haven the deacon's horse which the minister 
drove to Woodbury when he brought his In-ide. How the church 
was crowded the next Sa]il)ath to see him lead her in. After an 
absence of twenty-seven years I returned to \\'oodbury as pastor of 
the Methodist Church in eighteen hundred and seventv-one. The 
Kev. Mr. Wyckoff was settled as pastor of the Xorth Church the 
same year, and Rev. Air. Xoyes was pastor of the South. I found 
them both genial neig'hliors and faithful co-workers. 

In the Spring of seventy-three on my return from Conference, I 
found that I had been elected without my knowledge or consent as 
representative to the General Assembly of Connecticut, an honor 
for which T suppose I was indebted chiefly to the fact, that just then 
there was much division of opinion as to who should be chosen to 
represent North Woodbury, and the matter was compromised by 
uniting on the Methodist Minister. Perhaps they could not have 
done better. In eighteen seventy-four I closed a pleasant pastorate 
of three years and have seldom visited Woodbury since, but I cherish 
pleasant memories of its rocks and hills, its fine broad streets, its 
noble trees, some of the noblest of which were overturned by a 
cyclone during my pastorate, and of its kind, thriftv, worthv citizens. 

Oh ! Woodbury to thee. 
Place where I loved to be, 
I greeting send : 
Prosperity be thine. 
And never know decline. 
Heaven's sunlight on thee shine. 
World without end. 

West Haven, Conn. Rev. A. V. R. Abbott. 

August 2, 1900. — Having been re-elected superintendent of the 
Hotchkissville Sunday School for the coming year, I feel it my duty 
to give the public and friends of the school a history of the past four 
years. 



202 THK TOWN A XI) I'Koi'I.E 

The school was organized four years ag(j this month witli 13 mem- 
bers; to-day it numbers 180 with an average attendance of 90. 

After a while we built a new library, and George Deming of New 
Haven and A. X. Woolson of Watertown sent us old books to fill it. 
We bought about $10 worth of small books for the little ones. Then 
we went to work to get money for a new library, having concerts, 
lectures, socials, etc., which, with some cash contril)utions, have 
amounted to about $127.00. We have just got in running order a 
librarv of 500 books, costing the school over $100 for new books. 
Several books were donated by friends. 

Our hall cost us $26 per year. ( )ur lesson helps $25 per year. 
We have raised money to paint the hall. Raised money for O5 
chairs which friends donated, besides purchasing several other 
things for the hall. 

We have given for benevolent purposes the past year, $3.00 for 
the Sunday School .\ssociation, $3.00 for the Idaho school, $5.00 
for the Alt. Carmel Children's Home and $50 for the India Famine 
Sufferers. Also paid $5.40 for repairing library, and $5.00 for 
catalogues. Our collections have been good and we have at the 
present time $40 in the savings bank to fall back upon in time of 
need, and $12.71 in the treasury, with l)ills all paid up to the ])resent 
time. 

We have had the best speakers that could be obtained at dift'erent 
times to talk to the school, preachers, evangelists, lecturers and other 
otticers. The preachers of our own town, the la\inen. the singers, 
the musicians, and many others outside of the school have been ex- 
ceedingly kind and ready at all times to resj^ond when an oppor- 
tunity was offered them to assist us in any way. W^e thank every- 
body in town, and out of town, who have shown their interest in the 
school in any way. 

We will need vour prayers and sympathy and an occasional visit 
from you in the future as well as the past. 

WooDiu'RV, Coxx. ^- R- Foi-ti*- 

Aur.i-ST 3, 1885.— Gamaliel— God a rewarder. .\ Jewish Rabbi, 
born early in the first centurv, son of Rabl)i Simeon, grandson of 



WOCDIiURV, COXXKCTKl T 203 

Hillel, one of the compilers of the Tahnud, who [\vas an uncle of 
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, he lived and taught in Jerusalem, where 
Saul of Tarsus was for some time his pupil. He was a member of 
the Sanhedrin thirty-two years (possibly president) which l)ody he 
successfully counseled to moderation in the treatment of the fol- 
lowers of Jesus. He modified the law in respect to divorces and the 
marriage portion of widows. For the benefit of sufferers he caused 
the stringent law of the limited Salibath day's journey to be relaxed. 
Gentiles or Jews without distinction could glean in the harvest 
fields and poor had the same care; his sick tended, his dead buried, 
and his mourners comforted exactly as if they belonged to the 
Jewish community. A practical carrying out of Hillel's motto, the 
words of Scripture, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.'' He 
was always tolerant and peaceful, he exhorted to long suffering 
and good will on all sides, said by some authorities to have made 
changes in the arrangement of the calendar. The regal house of 
Hillel was celebrated for its enlightened liberality and all embracing 
humanity as opposed to the austere school of Shamai. Owing to the 
exalted position of his family even the otherwise strictly prohibited 
study of Greek, science and philosophy had been allow-ed him. He is 
supposed to have died about seventeen years before the destruction 
of the temple, when the glory of the law is said to have departed. His 
memory has always been held in the liighest honor. His conversion 
to Christianity and baptism by L^eter and John, as well as the story 
of his bones being transferred to Pisa, are devoid of historical foun- 
dation. His name on the list of saints and his day celebrated the 3rd 
of August. 1885. 

P.vLESTixE Clui!, Woodbury, Coxx. Juli.\ E. Bull. 

August 4, 1900. — Nearly on the crest of one of the various ranges 
of hills that give the beauty of mountain scenery to the towns of 
Litchfield County stands a railway station from which entrance may 
be gained to a lovely valley. The prospect from this point arrests 
the attention and ever wins admiration. Long ranges of hills that 
are bold and precipitous or broken into a series of undulating rolls 
of land, winding rivers that fall in cascades and joyous rivulets that 
go hurrying down the hillside as if carrying a glad message to the 



204 



the; town and peoplk 




WOODBURY, CONKHCTICUT 205 

river below. Amid these are farm houses, orchards, fields of .strain, 
the yellow rye and the half ripened oats, with a broad valley extend- 
ing from the north to the south, the valley of the Pomperaug. The 
surroundng trees in their abundance i)ermit only a glimpse of the 
historic towns of Southbury and Woodbury situated in the center of 
this valley with their broad parklike streets that branch into 
picturesque roads winding through forests and along the edges of 
sparkling streams. Here dwell the people who unite the educational 
and social refinement of the cities, with the advantages of health 
giving surroundings, rich historical associations and the enjoyment 
of constantly recurring scenes of beauty. A place of all most de- 
sirable for a residence. A delightful drive from the depot leads 
quickly to the town of Woodbury where the returning resident finds 
his home and the traveller a most acceptable and satisfactory abiding 
place among the excellent hotels and boarding places with which the 
town is well supplied. 

The Curtis House, one of the leading hotels of Litchfield County, 
was built in 1754 by Anthony Stoddard. Adjoining was the resi- 
dence of his father. Rev. Anthony Stoddard, who was a noted lawyer, 
physician and minister of the town during a period of sixty years. 

Among the names of the early proprietors of the Curtis House 
are those belonging to families honored for their ability, devotion 
and patriotism during the Revolutionary War. The efficient man- 
agement of this hotel for the past eighteen years has been by the 
present ])roprietor, L. E. Curtis. No expense or efifort has been 
spared to make this hotel among the best in this part of the State. 
Extensive additions have been built, spacious piazzas constructed and 
hot and cold water introduced. The attendants are alert and efficient 
and the cuisine has a widely established reputation for its' unsur- 
passed qualities. 

Mrs. h. E. Curtis, whose receipes are frequently requested, con- 
tributes an old time cake receipe written by Airs. S. R. Andrew in 
1810 and known as "Commencement Cake." "Six pounds of Hour, 
5 pounds of sugar, 3 pounds of butter, 3 pounds of fruit, 6 eggs, i 
quart of milk. Leave half the butter and sugar until the cake is 
light. One-half pint yeast. Always made in New Haven for Com- 
mencement." 

WooDfsruv, Coxx. Julia AIixor Stroxg. 



2o6 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

August 5. 1900. — These stories were told me Ijy m_\' "Teat-aunt, 
Mrs. H. J. Benedict, when she Hved at the parsonage. 

When Parson Stoddard preached in the church which stood where 
the Soldiers" Monument now stands, the old parsonage was sur- 
rounded by palisades to keep off the Indians. Sometimes on Sunday 
morning, Mrs. Stoddard used to ask her husband if he would take 
the baby a little while. He said "Yes," and she, having donned her 
cloak and bonnet, went to church, leaving him at home with the baby. 
When it was time for the service to begin and the Parson did not 
come, one of the Deacons would go to find out what was the matter 
and relieving him of his task, carefully mind the baby till Mrs. Stod- 
dard's return. 

In those days the pulpit was reached by two Rights of steps. Par- 
son Stoddard had a large Newfoundland dog which used to come 
to church and seat himself at the head of the first flight, facing the 
congregation. This vexed the Parson and he told his sons that 
they must keep the dog at home. This the boys promised to do, but 
as soon as their father had left the house they proceeded to dress the 
dog in the Parson's second best coat and wig, putting the animal's 
fore-legs through the coat sleeves and buttoning it about his body. 
Then they i)ut the Parson's spectacles on his nose, opened the door, 
and told him to go. The dog went up the aisle, ascended the steps 
and took his usual seat. When the Parson returnetl home, he asked 
which of the boys had done it. Tliey all denied it until he reached 
the youngest who said, "Yes. sir." Whereupon he whipped him. 
Years after the bo\- told his father that the\- all took part in it and 
had ])ut a shee])skin under his shirt so that he did not feel the whi])- 
ping at all. 

During Parson I'enedict's pastorate it was the custom for the men 
of the congregation to keep him supplied with fire-wood. When a 
load of wood was brought the Parson always asked his jiarishioner 
to ((uench his thirst before he unloaded. ( )ne day a man whom his 
neigh])ors considered simple brought a single__stick of wood on his 
shoulder. The I'arson. with a tuinkle in his eye, asked him to have 
a drink before unloading. 

When the Rev. Lyman P>eecher was preaching at Litchfield, he 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 20/ 

sometimes exchang-ed pulpits witli I "arson Benedict. In the noon 
intermission he would place the ten high-hacked mahooan}- chairs 
in a row down the parlor and jump over them for exercise. 

At the close of the Revolution Parson Benedict hought some of 
the first raw cotton sold in Xew York. His wife picked, spun and 
wove it into a Marseilles quilt which is still in an excellent state of 
preservaton. 

(hie Sunday at dinner Parson Benedict said to his wife that the 
next day he would drown their four kittens, and thought nothing of 
the fact that the mother cat was in the room. That afternoon the 
cat carried her kittens, one hy one, to houses where she knew that 
they had none and left them there, returning herself. Evervone 
was so pleased that the Parson's cat had thought of them that they 
kept the kittens. 

RocHKSTER, N. Y. Clara Woodruff Sflden. 

AuGL'ST 8. T900. — What can I write that will he of interest to you ? 
I well remember the Judson families in Weekeepeemee. Deacon 
Benjamin Judson's wife was my Grandfather Minor's sister. She 
with her daughter, Eunice (Mrs. H. M. Hart), moved to Cornwall 
and died there at the age of ninety-six. The Asa Judson family 
were familiar to me when in Woodhury, but I have been away from 
there sixty-seven years. I do not know but two persons living on 
Main Street when I left there in 1833, Deacon J. H. Linsley and Mrs. 
Emily Benham. 1 came to Bridgeport in 1850 and have seen the 
place grow from 7,000 to 72,000, and our Park Congregational 
Church organized in i8C)o with 39 members, grow to more than 600, 
and another church formed of more than 100 meml)ers, and now T am 
the oldest person in the church. 

1 wish you might see the pleasant family that have the care of me 
and how much reason I have f(^r thankfulness every day of my life. 

Briucf^port, Conx. Charles M. Minor. 

With the above writing is inclosed a reminiscence of over fifty 
years ago, given by Mr. Minor in 1893, that furnishes an interesting 
account of the last slave shi]) whicli entered Long Island Sound for 



2o8 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

Connecticut, with the circumstances of which he was personally 
tamihar and which in brief is as follows : 

On Augaist 26, 1839, Lieutenant Gedney, U. S. A., in command of 
coast survey, boarded a mysterious schooner called the Amistad 
near the shore of Long Island at Culloden Point. He found a large 
number of Africans and two Spaniards who claimed protection. 
The schooner was taken into the port of New London and after an 
examination by the United States District Court the Africans were 
committed for murder on high seas and were placed in New Haven 
jail. It was ascertained that they were from Africa and were illegal- 
ly bought at Havana, had risen upon their enslavers and recovered 
their liberty. Friends of freedom l^ecame interested and Messrs. 
Simeon Jocelyn, Lewis Tappan and others appointed a committee to 
receive funds and employ counsel. Messrs. Leonard Bacon, Amos 
Townsend, Jr., and H. G. Ludlow secured instruction for these be- 
nighted heathen. 

At the Circuit Court of Hartford, September 18, 1839, Judge 
Thompson stated that the killing of the captain of the Amistad was 
not a crime against the law of nations, connected as it was with the 
slave trade. The Africans were taken to New Haven to decide if 
they were entitled to their liberty. The Hon. John Uuincy Adams 
acted as senior counsel. The cause was argued b}' him before the 
Supreme Court of the LTnited States at Washington in February and 
March of 1841, and the following letter addressed l)y him to the 
committee : 

"Washington, March 9, 1841. 
"To Lcik'is Tapaii, Usq., Nc7^' York: 

"The captives are free. The}' are to be discharged from the custody of 
the marshal, free. Not tmto tis, not unto us, etc. But tlianks, thanks in the 
name of humanity and of justice, to you. 

"J. Q. Adams." 

The Africans were removed to Farmington, Conn., to the resi- 
dence of Austin F. Williams, where they remained under the instruc- 
tion of Prof. George E. Day until they left this country. .A farewell 
meeting was held for them at Broadway Tabernacle Lord's Day 
evening, November zy. 1841, when parting instructions were given 



WOODBURY, CONXIJCTICUT 209 

them and the missionaries who accompanied the freed Africans on 
their return to their native land. 

This was the begiiming- of the work of the Mendi Mission in South 
Africa. In closing, j\lr. Minor says: "I visited the Amistad cap- 
tives at New Haven jail and also at Farmington, and was personally 
familiar with the facts in this sketch." 

August 9. 1900. — Having spent my boyhood days in Woodbury, 
of course I shall always be interested in the people and the town. I 
have yet to see a street that is more beautiful than Woodbury. 
Nature certainly has done its share for the town ; now it remains for 
the people to improve and make it more attractive. 

Waterbury, Coxx. Edwin S. Gordon. 

August 10. 1881. — We are glad to note the evidences of your suc- 
cess in the enlarged form and improved appearance of the "Re- 
porter."' Your perseverance under many ditliculties in endeavoring 
to furnish the people of Woodbury with a good home paper, and give 
it their hearty support both in the way of subscriptions and in con- 
tribution of news items and articles that would interest the readers. 
Each week's issue finds a welcome in our house and we only wish it 
might contain a great deal more concerning Woodbury affairs. We 
wish you continued prosperity and trust you will meet with all the 
success your efiforts merit. — Letter to A. E. Knox. 

Akron, Ohio. Wilbur V. Rood. 

August 12, 1900. — It seems a very nttle thing to ask a Souvenir 
of dear old Woodbury. Where to commence and to leave off is quite 
another question. Why, one's pen might fly for hours, could it keep 
pace with our thoughts. The sentiments expressed might not be 
those most desired by the reader. My early home was in the vicinity 
of the North Church, and were it not for the constantly occurring 
changes that are taking place, might still be in that neighborhood. 
Among those homes there is scarcelv one remaining unaltered, all 
having new owners with modern ideas. Oh ! the Fourth of July of 
my childhood with all that made the day glorious. ( )ur Woodl)ury 



2IO 



THE TOWX AXl) I'Koi'I.E 




WOODBURY, CONXKCTICUT 211 

Fair far superior to the noted Danbury Fair as seen throui^h my 
childhood's fancy. 

The celebration of Mother Teeple's one hundredth birthday and 
later Father Manville's, two centenarians, speak well for the health 
o-iving- air of Woodbury. My father, Nathan Terrill, rounded his 
seventv-five years in this town and there has never been a more loyal 
citizen. The dedication of the vSoldiers' Monument recalls the un- 
speakable sorrow and sadness connected with the Civil W ar. May 
our peo])le never be called to another such gatherin"-. 

Now we have our Woman's Clul), the Magazine Club, and a trol- 
lev, and rural delivery almost in sight. What the twentieth cen- 
tury ma\- do for this good old town 1 win not try to predict. 

Woonr.rkv Coxx. Martha F. Tkrrii.i.. 

AriUST 13, i8(;5. — The camp meeting at Plainville last week 
was the largest as well as one of the most enthusiastic and success- 
ftil ever held on the grounds. 

The grounds are being improved each year. During the past 
year Woodbury. S(nith I'ark Church of Hartford, Grace Church 
of New Haven. Middletown, Forestville and Higganum Churches 
have built society houses, and the Woodbury house is considered one 
of the prettiest on the grounds. Many cottages have been built. 
The Woodbury house was dedicated on Thursday afternoon before 
an audience of two thousand people. Presiding Elder Crandell J. 
North having charge of the services in the absence of the pastor. 
Alanv Woodbury people were present. The Presiding Elder made 
the address and a most admirable one it was. He spoke of Wood- 
bury as being one of the most delightful towns in all New England ; 
of its beautiful scenery, its most excellent water, the prospect of an 
electric railroad, and advised any who could, to go over there and 
then settle there. 

^^'()()l)lu kv. Coxx. Mrs. Almox Galfix. 



212 THE TOWX AND PEOPLE 

"PETER PARLEY PLACE." 

"Pomperaug" was an Indian's name. 

When the white man first throngh the great woods came, 

And when in the passing of years he died. 

They dug him a grave by the river's side. 

And decreed that the brook and the valley fair 

Shoidd be called for the chieftain buried there. 

King George gave a park to the ancient town 
Where the turnpike comes from Litchfield down, — 
Three hundred trees like sentinels stand 
To guard the gift of his royal hand, — 

While just across, un the slope of the hill. 
Stood a grand old house — and is standing still. 

It was built of bricks from across the sea. 
As staunch and strong as a house could be. 
To outlast the lives of a dozen of men. 
And 'twas firm as ever the morning when 
Its builder's stay having reached an end. 
Peter Parley came next, the children's friend. 

He loved his home and was wont to say 

That through tw'p world's he had found his way, 

Yet never had seen so sweet a spot 

As the valley round his dear home-lot. 

The hunting ground of the Indian race. 

And he called the house "Peter Parley Place." 

They'll show you a stone by the old side door. 

Where he'd sit of a morning, an hour or more. 

With a dozen children at his knee. 

But which were happier, they or he? 

That none can say, for they loved him well. 

And cried when he went to town to dwell. 

And when one night he "fell on sleep" 
The children remembered their tryst to keep. 
Again in front of the old house door 
Peter Parley's form was seen once more. 
The children had come to keep their tryst. 
But the genial voice and smile were missed. 



WOODBURY, CONXECriCUT 217, 

The churches were closed for miles around, 

No Sabbath bells gave cheery sound, 

For the people were thronged in the old town park, 

And on every face was sorrow's mark. 

As they watched the home on the mountain-side 

Of the man they had loved and the man who had died. 

After a word and a tender prayer 
From the aged pastor, with snow white hair. 
The neighbors stooped, in New England way. 
To bear to its rest the well-loved clay. 
When quickly the children took their stand 
By twos and twos, on either hand. 

And "Walk between, " a low voice said. 

While flowers fell soft on the children's dead. 

From the house to the road, up the road to the grave. 

Still the childern waited, their flowers still gave. 

While in up-turned faces all might trace 

Their hearts the true "Peter Parley Place." 

Two graves lie now on the side of the hill. 

The valley is "Pomperaug Valley" still. 

The river is known by its Indian name 

And the old house stands by the park the same. 

But though owners may change as the years go past 

"Peter Parley Place" it shall be to the last. 

— Piihlislu'd ill the ]]'atcrbuiy American. 
Boston, Mass. Ellen Way Allen. 

AicusT i6, 1900. — In a little sequestered valley of Western Con- 
necticut lies the village of Woodbury. Settled by sturdy men it 
has l)een the birth-place and home of many of the noblest of the 
land. Quick to respond to the country's call in every time of need 
it has sent forth the best and truest of its manhood to the help of 
the imperiled nation. In peace its sons have been prominent in 
government positions of trust and honor. ^lany are the men emi- 
nent in national affairs who are proud of the fact that they can 
trace their lineage back to Old Woodbury. To-day the yoimg man 
standing at the point where the responsibilities of life are soon to 
be taken up, is inspired as he thinks oi the record made by those who 



214 TiiK Town and people 

have gone forth from the home of iiis childhood to fill positions of 
trust and honor in the service of their country and his. in the words 
of another lie cries : 

"My native country thee. 

Land of the noble free, 

Tliy name I love. 

I love thy rocks and rills 

Thy woods and templed hills : 

My heart with rapture thrills 

Like that above." 

Chkshtkk Academy. Dwight W. Gr.\hame. 

Al'Olst 17, 1900. — At the close of three-quarters of a century 
after the founding of the church in Woodbury and in the fortieth 
year of the ministry of Rev. Anthony Stoddard on April 24. 1744. 
the Historian of Woodbury tells us that the First Society decided to 
build a new church. Through years of peace and prosperity and 
after having founded four churches, from the original membership, 
with unity and a progressive development they continued to make 
their main thought, the establishing of the public worship of God 
according to Scriptural ideas, and the transmitting of the same to 
their posterity. 

Desiring the advice and decision of the (icneral Assembly they 
requested them to send a committee, 'Avise and faithful" the record 
says, to decide upon the situation of the church building. The com- 
mittee visited Woodbury and reported to the Assembly that the situ- 
ation was: "On Uroad street. 40 rods north of the old house on the 
hill at the head of a road running westward." 

The Assesmbly having accepted the report the materials were ob- 
tained and the edifice was completed in ( )ctober, 1747, and the fol- 
lowing statement recorded by the Society's clerk. Col. Joseph Minor: 

"To the Honorable Assembly at Xe-w Haven. October. 1747: 

"These may inform your honors that the Prime Society in Woodbury have 
set up a Meeting House in the place where the Court's Committee set the 
stake, have covered and inclosed it. and for bigness, strength and architecture 
it does appear transcendentally magnificent." 



WOODBURV, COXXECTICUT 215 

.\t that time the head of each house was required to furnish ac- 
commodations in the church for the attendance of his family at 
divine worship on the Sabhath. W'ilHam Stronj:^- has in liis posses- 
sion the ancient settee that stood in this meeting house and was 
owned and occupied by Lieutenant John Strong, of Revohitionary 
fame, and his household. 

At a time when the Revolutionary Army was fording a deep 
and swiftly moving river, the honor of carrying Lafayette in safetv 
across was given to Lieutenant Strong. Alany stories are told 
around the fireside of his abilit} as a leader, his commanding 
stature and superior athletic qualities. 

Woodbury, Coxx. Mrs. Wiij.ia:m Stroxg. 

August i8, 1900. — Mr. Merlin Upson, for many years a citizen 
of Woodbury, and at the present time the oldest person in the town, 
resided in his early life in that part of Waterbury known as Town 
Plot. 

He well remembers when the city had but two churches, the First 
Congregational Church, standing there upon the "green," and St. 
John's Episcopal Church. The onlv warmth in the churches was 
by means of the foot stoves. 

Mr. Upson recalls being a member of the first Sunday School held 
in the city about the year 1819 in the First Church, whose services 
he attended. The school met only in the summer and numbered 
about the same as one of our Sunday Schools in Woodbury at the 
present time. 

In the class of which he was a member were Henry Field, Julius 
Field, Charles Clark. John Downs and Eli Clark. Among the in- 
structors were Horace Hotchkiss and Abner Upson, his brother. 
The school studied from the Catechism and the Bible. 

AuGLST 20, igoo. — There have lieen man\- changes in Woodbury 
since I was a boy. In those days people did their own carding, 
spinning, weaving, knitting and candle making in their own homes, 
and nearly all of our hardware was made bv our village l)lacksmith. 
Long hours were made bv laliorini'' men, ahva\'s working from daA- 



21(5 



THE TOW X AXD PEOI'LE 




Tlli-; (iin'oN T.Wl'.KX. 



lio'ht until dark. Wages were low, men seldom getting more than 
seventy-five cents a day. Xearl\- all our heavy work was done with 
oxen. If any one wished to move a huilding, word would he sent 
among the farmers, who would he on hand at the re(|uired time, with 
more oxen than could he used to advantage to haul the huilding to 
the required place. There was usually a little compensation ex- 
])ecte(l, which was gen(^rally cake and cider. 

Among other things that mig"ht seem strang"e to-day were the 
large droves of cattle that were driven through town for Hartford 
and Xew Haven markets. Washington and Bethlehem drew all 
their merchandise through Woodhury at that time. 

Dan Dalahv's leather spring stage coach driven from Litchfield 
to New Haven carried our mail. 

The sign of "The ( )rton Tavern" hung from a liml) of one of the 
large elms in front of the < (rton place. 

Horses, cattle, shee]) and swine ran at large on our highways. I 
also rememlier old Deacon Sherman, who was deacon of the Xorth 



AVUODBL'KY, CONNECTICUT 21/ 

Church. Every child that chanced to pass his door knew him better 
as Grandfather Sherman. It seemed as if all the children of the 
town knew and respected this good old man. who always appeared 
cheerful and happy, but I have been told there never lived in Wood- 
bury a more persecuted man than Deacon Sherman. fie was a 
strong; advocate for temperance, which resulted in making" enemies, 
who burned his wagon and sheared his horse's mane and tail, and 
afterwards tarred and feathered the poor beast. His shade trees 
were destroyed, being blown to pieces with powder. 

lUit the shade trees in front of the Julius Cowles's place still 
stand. They were planted by the late Daniel Martin, who placed 
them there to prevent the building of a new sidewalk. At that time 
there was no sidewalk ; the people walked on the edge of the road. 

There never lived in Woodbury a more eccentric man than Daniel 
Martin. He was a bachelor, and the reason he gave for not getting 
married was he hatl never had time to look up a wife. He did not 
believe in new theories, such as the world revolving. He said that 
if it did his saw mill, his cart and everything would be bottom side 
up in the morning. The next morning he found his cart upside 
down. When asked if he now believed it, he said : 'T am thoroughly 
convinced."" At another time he was annoyed by his workmen tell- 
ing him how to do a certain piece of work. He addressed them by 
saying: "Gentlemen," after gaining their atention he informed them : 
'Tf I had always had you to contrive for me I should be just such a 
poor devil as you." His mode of living was the plainest, but I never 
knew him to wear any clothes but a tailor made suit of blue broad- 
cloth trimmed with brass buttons and a white shirt, white cravat 
and a silk hat. His grounds were the best ke])t of any in town, al- 
though lawn mowers and mowing machines were then unknown. 

The first invention in liorse rakes were those with wooden teeth. 
The one using it, walked and lifted up the rake, each time it was fuU 
of hay. 

I remember well the mistake made by a citizen of Woodbury 
that nearlv cost his life. In driving out of Waterbury he mistook 
tlie railroad track for the road to Watertown. A train came along 
killing his horse and reducing his wagon to kindling wood. The 



2l8 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

driver escaped uninjured, but he believed that he was entitled to 
damages as he had given them more than half of the road. Owing 
to the hazy condition of the weather it was decided no one was to 
blame. 

One of our oldest citizens tells of the wild state of things in Wood- 
bury w^hen she was a girl. She speaks of the Chimney Sweep who 
went through our street crying "Sweep, Oh Sweep," and of the 
huckleberry bushes which grew beside the main street, and how her 
cousin. Sally Judson, was severely punished for desecrating the Sab- 
bath l)y picking and eating a few berries on her way to church ; also 
of a man by the name of Woods, better known as Daddy Woods, 
who bought eggs and carried them with his old horse to "New 
York City Market." 

She gives the names of the down town girls who borrowed a tur- 
key from a neighbor's barn yard one night, carried it to an old house 
just north of where X. M. Strong lives to-day where they killed and 
cooked it and enjoyed a midnight meal. 

She tells of the mammoth stuffed whale which was exhibited in 
a tent near the "Orton Tavern." 

She well remembers the first Irishman who came to town and 
how the people locked the doors and windows as he passed through 
the street. 

It is impossible to tell of all the changes that have taken place in 
Woodbury, as a respected citizen found out years ago when he wrote 
to a relative in the far west. He concluded by saying: "I can stand 
in my door and hear a half dozen pianos, but I see but one acre of 
rye." 

Woodbury. Conn. John O. Martin. 

August 26, 1900.— On the west side of Main Street, centrally 
situated between the North and Methodist Churches, is the business 
location kmown as the "Corner Store," now the mercantile estab- 
lishment of Louis E. Dawson. 

In August, 1884, G. F. Morris and Louis E. Dawson were asso- 
ciated in the dry goods, clothing and grocery business. The senior 
member of the firm retired in 1893 and is now engaged in business 
in the Hotchkissville store of General Merchandise. 



WOODULUV, CONXI'XTICL'T 



219 




O 

Pi 

w 

o 

w 
K 



220 THE TOWN^ AND PEOPLE 

Louis E. Dawson, who has been identified with this place of l)usi- 
ness for seventeen years, and during- tne past eight years has been 
owner and proprietor, is one of the enterprising and prosperous 
merchants of Woodbury. The building has received several ad- 
ditions and the business now comprises different departments, in- 
cluding a large millinery establishment. 

The North Woodbury post otlice was established in ( )ctober, 
1889, and located in this building, G. F. Morris and afterward L. 
E. Dawson being the appointed postmasters. Erwin Dawson is the 
owner and proprietor of a large boot and shoe business conducted 
in the new store recently added to the south side of the main build- 
ing. 

On Main Street, south from the store of L. E. Dawson, stands a 
sul)stantial brick building, rendered fire proof, which contains the 
town records of Woodbury and office of the town clerk. From the 
"Proprietor's Book" begin in 1672, "which contains an account of 
all the proprietor's meetings in said Woodbury with several resolves 
respecting lands, etc.," also the "Fundamental Articles agreed upon 
in order to the settlement of Pomperaug," to those of the modern 
town of the twentieth centurv, the records comprise many volumes 
of great value, and deep interest to those who find pleasure in his- 
torical research. 

Hon. Asahel W. Mitchell has most acceptably filled the office of 
town clerk for a mmiber of years. 

August 2S, 1836. — Intoxicating liquor of any kind is not neces- 
sary for a beverage. This I infer from the fact that the strongest 
man that ever lived in this world never drank any, and when reduced 
to the greatest extremity by thirst after slaying one thousand Philis- 
tines, he received complete relief from the use of water only which 
was furnished him by a miracle in answer to his prayer for relief. 
Now I claim that He who made the human frame and put in motion 
all its wondrous parts must have known iust what his servants 
needed, and that He possessed power and benevolence enough to 
g-ive him what he needed T trust no one will deny. lUit I will not 
weary your ])atience with the j^ractice of ancient nations — I will 



WOODBURY, COXXECTICI'T 



221 




222 THE TOWX aXD PEOPLE 

come down to our country. I suppose it will be wholly unnecessary 
to make any effort to prove to this audience that the first settlers 
of New England did not use intoxicating- liquor as a beverage, al- 
though they must have needed it. I mean if it be necessary, they 
must have needed it far more than the present generation can, for 
be it remembered that our forefathers had toil and hardship to un- 
dergo of which we know but little, and to form a correct idea of 
which is impossil)le without witnessing it, or something like it. It 
is an impeachment of the wisdom and goodness of the great Creator 
to su])pose that intoxicating liquor is necessary as a beverage un- 
less it can be proved, which has never yet been proved, that intoxi- 
cating liquor was provided by the Creator at the creation for the 
daily use of man. Xow if intoxicativig liquor was not provided at 
the creation and is still necessary for the support of man, then surely 
the creation must have been imperfect, which an inspired writer has 
assured us was not the fact, and again, if intoxicating liquor was not 
provided and yet is necessary for the support of nature, then plainly 
the Creator must have lacked either wisdom to know or goodness 
to bestow all that nature, which himself had made, required. And 
again I ask, can there be found among all the varied tribes of living 
creatures, one for which the Creator did not provide food and drink 
exactly fitted to their dift'erent natures and will He take less care 
for man. The Saviour himself has answered this question ; I need not. 
Youth's Temperance Society, Judah Baldwin. 

Woodbury, Conn. 

August 30. 1900.- — Perhaps earth holds no place more sacred in 
retrospect to the writer than the old homestead of Abner and Susan 
Allen in Weekeepeemee, where my childhood days were passed. A 
just description of it as it occurs to me would be far beyond my 
power of production. No woods were ever so full of beauty, or 
streams ever dearer than the rills within their mountain farm. No 
sunshine ever brighter than shone upon their broad acres, no skies 
quite as blue as those that we looked upon from our play ground 
and rambles, and no hills better adapted to coasting. That it was a 
spacious and hospitable roof is faint praise to give to a house where 



WOODP.URV, CONXKCTICUT 223 

all were welcome. Eig'ht well furnished sleepiiii? apartments ac- 
commodated guests and I never remember a person who called at the 
door that was permitted to pass on without sharing with them at 
their bountiful table. The weary tramp, if unsuitable for the house, 
was well fed and lodged in the barn. The old house, built of the 
best building material, has made a brave effort to remain, defying 
wind and rain for a number of years. Its painted walls are still 
standing, wonderfully intact from blemish after all these years of 
time's defacement, those walls that have often re-echoed to the 
sounds of our merriment. Of our grandmother there is no cause to 
speak, for to those unac(|uainted and not likewise endowed there 
would be no understanding, and to all within the pale of this memory 
there will be no need to speak further. I once asked a clergyman 
of her acquaintance if I was correct in believing her to be a superior 
woman, or if it was owing to my regard for her, a love shared with 
others of the family. His reply was: "One so truly great and un- 
pretentious with all, is not often met m a life time." To mention all 
of her good deeds, wise sayings and untold benefactions would be to 
write a book. Do not think that this praise is written in any hope of 
reflected honor, for everybody knows that wealth and worth seldom 
make the stride of three generations. Susan Allen was a cousin of 
Minot ^litchell of White Plains, New York, who was grandfather of 
Hon. Chauncey Depew. 

I well remember a visit paid by Mr. and Mrs. Minot Mitchell. My 
mtroduction to them was somewhat self-imposed. It was during a 
praise service on Sunday morning tliat two distinguished looking 
people entered the church. When the congregation arose and turn- 
ing about, all faced the choir during the singing according to the 
custom, these strangers eagerly scanned the faces of the audience 
as if in search of some friend. Standing very near, I took the oj)- 
portunity, a childish freak, to make a wry face to see how the lady 
would accept it, and was disappointed not to receive a frown in 
return, and doubtless all memory of it would have passed but for 
a later circumstance. On Monday morning those distinguished 
looking people drove into my grandfather's domain and remained 
to dine. I was rendered quite uncomfortable by the recognition 



224 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

while being presented as one of the cousin's children. "Yes, that is 
the little girl I saw in church," said Mrs. Mitchell, a finely turned re- 
proof and all that was needed. Their meeting with my grandfather's 
people seemed a most happy one. 1 well remember their mirth and 
good cheer. If Chauncey Depew is as bright, witty and jovial as 
I, a mere child, remember Minot Mitchell to have been on that oc- 
casion, it is no wonder that he ranks as one of the five first orators 
of the nation. I will close with a few words from a recent address 
given by Chauncey Depew on "Patriotism and Education." 

"The student of to-day as he studies the great issues of the past 
and the stirring story of conflicts in Congress and in the field, is apt 
to believe that the opportunities for patriotic work no longer exist. 
The student must remember that we do not live for the past but for 
the present and future ; that every period has its problems to be 
solved, its dangers to be met and its opjiortunities. Anarchv, social- 
ism, taxation, currency and the relations of labor and capital are 
questions as difficult, requiring as much judicious and ])atriotic con- 
sideration and demanding as much of the time and attention of the 
college and the college man, as any which have agitated the nation 
since the formation of its government. It is not for us all to be 
legislators, or governors, or cabinet ministers, or presidents, but it 
is for all of us in the sphere in which we move, to take that interest 
in public affairs which voices the o])inions that guides legislature, 
congress and presidents. Thus the highways and byways of the 
town are frau'jht with incident.^ of ])ublic interest." 

WooDiiiTRY. Conn. Emily Ursul.x Allen. 



SEPTEMBER. 



September i, lyoo. — I tincl that it is just forty years tliis summer 
since 1" supplied the pulpit of tlie old First Church of Woodhury 
during" my vacation, and which resulted in my call to the church the 
sprin;"- following, in 1861. 

At that time there was in the congregation a venerable "Father of 
Israel," who in speaking in the social prayer meetings, and always 
with profit, often recalled "the light of other days," with the expres- 
sion which had grown c|uite familiar to the younger members of 
the church. "Forty years ago when I was a lad." And here I am 
standing in his place in point of time i I should not like to-day, to 
feel as old as I thought then, in my young ministry, he must be who 
could recall "forty years," for I am still in the active ministry, with 
all the multiplied organization for church work which call for care- 
ful supervision. How distinctly I recall the faces of that congre- 
gation to wdiich I first ministered ! There was Dea. Minor, with 
his native eloquence, at times remarkable ; and Dea. Somers with his 
gentle face and lovely spirit : and Dea. Linsley, then in the prime 
of his vigorous personality, and all the other co-workers among the 
men and women who formed the body of that historic church. I 
am delighted to learn that Dea. Linsley still abides. He has been a 
welcome visitor a nuinber of times in our various parishes since we 
left Woodbury, and it would be pleasant to see his face again, 
which was always turned towards his young pastor with a kind 
smile. 

If there were time, and it might not be invidious to mention the 
names of some of the rank and file of the membership. I could give 
a long list of names most kindly cherished in our memory. A short 
time before I went there the church building had been thoroughly 
repaired and I have always thought tne audience room very at- 
tractive as I have recalled it from time to time. 



226 THE TOWN AXl) I'KOI'I.E 

The Sunday evening prayer meetings in the church room in the 
'town Hall were largely attended and full of life and spirit. It is 
difficult to realize, that those young people with their bright faces, 
inspiring to the young pastor by the interest and sympathy so plainly 
expressed, must be now between fifty and sixty years old. 

We were the first occupants of the parsonage, which had just 
then come into the possession of the church, through the will of Mr. 
Beneflict, on the death of his widow. There I had the happiness 
of bringing my bride, who through all these years has been my faith- 
ful, beloved and most helpful wife. 

The parsonage was an interesting old house. Its "Old Colonial" 
interior with its Franklin stoves and their stately brass andirons, its 
pannelled wood work, and its decoration on the parlor walls dating 
from the early part of the century, irom the time when the Hon. 
Mr. Benedict prepared the house for the coming of his bride, made 
the place very fascinating to us, who had already entered into the 
renascence of "old colonial" features. 

It was our first home; it was the birth-place of our first born son, 
Edward, who lived to make us glad for thirty-five years, and whose 
death has changed the world, and brought Heaven nearer. So that 
the parsonage of the old First Church of Woodbury is enshrined 
in our memory. 

The fine old garden which Mrs. Benedict had always kept up in 
the state style of seventy -five years ago, with its rows of holly-hocks, 
and straight beds of lovely old fashioned flowers, and its fruitful 
beds of succulent vegetables, was the despair of the young minis- 
ter, who knew l)etter how to dig up Greek roots than to plant pota- 
toes. 1 remember the intense amusementof mymfe, when I proud- 
Iv showed her my first garden, over the size of the summer savory 
bed. I had enough to stuff all the Thanksgiving turkeys in the 
county. My ministry began with the "War for the Union." We 
were all on fire with enthusiasm. Many fine young men enlisted 
from our town, and we constantly remembered them in our prayers. 
What visits we paid the regiment encamped on Litchfield hill. The 
Woodburv pastor remembers preaching to "The Boys" there, in the 
cam]), on "Sav ye not a Confederacy to this people that say a con- 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 22/ 

federacy," etc. The amusing incident may still be recalled l)y 
the old residents, that one of the tew "Copperheads" in the town 
refused to hear me preach, because I prayed for the success of the 
Republican party. "Why, no," said my loyal friend and church 
member, "Our pastor never did that." "Yes, he did. I heard him 
pray that the right might win !" Do you remember the war songs 
that rang through the country? I hear, as if it were now sounding 
in my ears, the song splendidly sung, by a returned soldier, one 
glorious summer night of "Tramp. Tramp, Tramp, the Boys are 
Marching." 

He began down the street, by Mr. Parker's, and marched on with 
steady tread past the parsonage up the street, on toward the "North 
Church." It seemed as if the ( )renaug Rocks caught the strain 
and sent it back with special resonance, until the whole valley rang 
with that wonderful song. One could almost hear the tread of the 
mightv loyal hosts from east to west, who had answered the call 
of "Father Abraham." I never knew who sang it, but I shall never 
forget the thrill of patriotic fervor it gave me. 

The great picnic of the summer of 1861 on the extremely 
picturesque Orenaug rocks may be recalled, when a patriotic ad- 
dress to the residents who should be in that valley one hundred 
years afterward. 1961, was signed by all present, sealed and placed 
in the town archives. Does any one know where it is? Let the 
passing generations keep track of it, and in 1961 — Fourth of July- 
let the Woodburians of that time gather on the same old rocks, and 
read the message we sent down the century to them. 

Whatever will pass away from that beautiful valley, whatever 
changes may be brought in, may the truth of Christ be more con- 
trolling, more potential than ever. He is the Lord of all. To Him 
be all honor and praise and glory and blessing. 

The Manse oe the 
Second Presbyterian Church, Charles E. Robivson. 

SCRANTOX, Pa. 



THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 




^ -l^ 






DURING 
LONG ¥^RAYER, 




September 2. 1900. — Dea. Black- 
mail was for many years a regular at- 



^ I ,'\;j J. tendant at the Sunday evening prayer 
-'J * |k«/-'' meeting. He never failed to make a 



tew remarks, and always prefaced 
tliem with the words, "Ahottt forty 
\ears ago." At that time I looked 
u]u)n the good deacon's form of 
speech as an amusing ])eculiarity. hut 
in recalling the things that are indelil^l}- fixed in my own memory, T 
find they all occurred "aliout forty years ago." and strangely enough 
the ini])ressions are not of childhood's pleasures or of school-days 
and companions, hut of the interior of the old South Church and the 
memhers of the congregation. 

It was in the early years of the "gingerbread ])ul])it" when the 
minister's family occupied the square pew on the north side of the 
"broad aisle" and L^ncle \^'ait Minor the one directh' across. Re- 



\\()()l)llL•|<^ , cowKCTiCL T 229 

hind him sat Uncle Stoddard Strong' with Hezekiah Booth's family 
opposite, and so 1 could name each occupant of every pew even to 
the ])ack seats, which were usually filled with hoys and girls trying 
to escape from parental oversight. 

For some time 1 sat in a front seat in the choir gallery, not that 
I was of the slightest assistance to the choir, Init l)ecause the place 
oiifered the best opportunity for a study of the congregation. In- 
deed, I could see every person in church except those in the two 
pews in the northeast corner, and by a process of deduction, 1 
satisfied myself as to their identit\-. 

My chance came when the long ])rayer began. First I counted 
the number of people in the church — usually about two hundred and 
seventy-five; it never varied nuich, unless the day was stormv. I 
counted the men and women separately, with the women always in 
the majority ; the children came next in order, and after them the 
babies that had been left at home with an infirm grandmother. I 
counted those who were "related" to me. It was no difficult prob- 
lem in mathematics, the process and result were always the same 
because each was nivariably in his or her accustomed seat. One 
great-uncle, one great-aunt, eight uncles, seven aunts, eighteen first 
cousins, thirty-nine second cousins, and so on through the third and 
fourth removes until nearly half the congregation was numbered 
in the list. Counting by families there were twenty-seven Strongs, 
twenty-one Minors, nineteen Curtisses, thirteen Smiths, twelve 
Lamberts, five lienedicts, and a whole seat full of Bacons. 

But the long prayer had only begun. My eyes wandered over 
the house and took note of the general appearance of the people. I 
counted the men with gray hair — Judge Smith always first on ac- 
count of both the quality and quantity of his hair ; then the bald- 
headed men with Amasa Curtiss showing the largest uncovered 
area, though in later days he wore a snufif-colored wig which hid 
the baldness, but showed a fringe of white hair below it in the 
neck. Fie sat in the "old bachelor's" pew and my glance tarried a 
moment to note whether Uncle Isaac and (jU\- Webster, the other 
l^achelors of the congregation, were there too. Next came the men 
with full beards, the list being made u]) princi];tally from the Strong 



230 



THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 



family. Just here Deacon Truman Minor in his Sunday boots, 
than which none ever squeaked louder, tip-toed up the "broad 
aisle" with his tall family following and took his seat in the third 
pew from the front on the south side, and George Drakely, the last 
as usual, slipped quietly into his, the third from the back on the 
same side. The women dressed in mourning received their share 
of attention and they brought to mind the absent ones for whom 
they mourned. In winter I took note of the men who kept on their 
overcoats and of the women who wore fur tippets and carried foot- 
stoves — there were two stoves of tin to one of wood. In Summer I 
counted instead, the linen dusters of the men and the black silk 
mantillas of the women and in place of foot-stoves, the number of 
fans, of which often as many as a hundred were in motion at the 
same time. 

Still the long prayer was only half through. Sometimes, for 
variety, I counted the young ladies who wore shirred silk bonnets ; 
thirteen was the number and in color four were white, three blue, 
three green, two lemon-colored, and one tan. There were seven 
little girls in red, blue, white or brown honey-combed satin hoods, 
trimmed with white swans' down around the face and ca]x\ The 




WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 23 I 

hymn books in the racks attracted my notice, and I knew the number 
SO well that I could tell just how many were lying on the seats. 

The long- prayer still continued, so my attention turned to the 
habits and peculiarities of the good people. Five chewed tobacco 
and kept in their seat in church a small box of ashes, and think of 
it, only one smoked. 1 knew just which men would take a nap 
during the sermon, just how many times each head would oscillate 
forward and backward or from side to side, just how many audible 
snores would be allowed before each wife nudged her husband's 
elbow or trod on his corns. Then I thought of their political 
preferences ; that occupied but a moment, as all in the congregation 
but two — George De Wolf and Guy Webster — were Republicans. 

Now the long prayer was drawing to a close. I looked rather 
enviously at the three people in the audience who drove in a 
barouche with two horses — Judge Smith, Barlow Russell and Mrs. 
Whitlock — and took mental note of the single carriages, lumber 
wagons, and open buggies in which the larger part of the congre- 
gation had driven to church. I wondered which man on that par- 
ticular Sunday would be able to get out of church soonest after the 
benediction, bring his horse around to the front steps and load 
in his "women folks" preparatory to starting for home. 

The long prayer was ended, but the Amen had hardly been uttered 
before the people seized their hymn books and prepared to join in 
singing "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord." 

MiuwAUKEE, Wis. Harriet Strong Stieeman. 

September 3, 1900. — The orderings of Divine Providence at 
times appear strange and with a peculiar fascination to the close 
human observer, so that one is constrained to think and say that 
this earth which we inhabit "is not so very large after all," and at the 
same time reveals an infinite, loving, wise and over-ruling power, 
that not only stimulates faith, but also reveals the abounding good- 
ness of the Creator of all things. 

Some weeks since a kind request was received that I should con- 
tribute something that might be appropriate for these pages. My 
first thought, among the many demands upon my time, and the 



232 THK TOWX AXD Pp:oPLE 

crowd of duties that press upon me, as well as a conscious inability 
made it seem impossible for me to comply. Further thought sug- 
gested to the mind of the writer a fact that occurred a few years 
since in my own home, that 1 think deserves mention and a place in 
this collection of etTorts. The fact not only illustrates this thought, 
but it exposes the good, silent and unobtrusive influences that are 
constantly working to make illustrious the name of Woodbury town, 
and invest its pet)ple with additional precious memories of the sturd\- 
virtues and solid character that cluster around the generations that 
have made its history. 

Many years ago the writer was fortunate in securing one of the 
loveliest Woodbury maidens for a life companion. It is hardly 
necessary to record here that the choice was a hap])y and blessed one. 
Although we pitched out tent and established our home about one 
thousand miles distant from the old \\'oodbury homestead, the con- 
necting ties and old friendships have continued warm, sacred and 
delightful. The good wife made many and some very choice friends 
111 her new home. In her selection of admired friends, she had a 
special leaning toward elderly ladies and seemed charmingly inter- 
ested in their society and companionship. Upon a certain occasion 
when one of these elderly ideal friends, living in an adjoining town 
about fifteen miles distant, had l)een persuaded to make us a visit, it 
was thought wise to invite in a dear old lady living in our immediate 
neighborhood, in order to make it more entertaining and agreeable 
for our more distant guest. These two elderly ladies averaged 
more than eighty years of age each, and they were until that time 
entire strangers to each other. In the interview that followed, a most 
pleasing and interesting fact was develo])ed and established to the 
sur])rise of all. It is as follows : 

IJoth of these old ladies and their hostess first saw life in Wood- 
bury, Conn., and passed their early days in that old classic town. One 
of them was connected with the Stoddard family, and died about two 
or three years ago at the venerable age of ninety-seven years. The 
other one was of a Leavenworth family and deceased a few years 
earlier than the first mentioned, at the rii)e age of eighty-seven years. 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 233 

A knowledge of the life, uprig-ht character, great usefulness and 
many Christian virtues of these noble women, reflects great lustre 
and distinguished honor that is a legitimate pride to all who can 
claim Woodbury for a place of nativity, or that are interested in its 
history and people. 

Chicago, lij,. 

A handicap tournament was held on the grounds of the Pomp- 
eraug Valley Golf Club September 3. 1900, for a cup presented by 
Mrs. Edward Hinman. This was the second cup competition held 
on the grounds. Much interest was taken in the tournament, there 
being twenty-seven entries twenty-two of whom started. The cup 
was won by Howard Allen with a net score of 91. — iroodbiiry Re- 
porter. 

September 4. 1889. — 

But Thou. O Lord, from Thy liright throne on high. 

Watching. I wake the while my comrades sleep : 
O'er land and sea Thy watch and ward dost keep. 

As the long, weary hours roll slowly by. 

Darkness and clouds begloom the watery plain : 
The moon and stars withhold their wonted light ; 

The winds have ceased their sorrowful refrain. 
And silence reigns thro' the dark realms of Night. 

But in that brighter world where Thou dost dwell, 
Nor Night, nor Darkness is, but Light supreme; 

Silence is not ; the full-voiced angels swell 
Their ceaseless songs, and Jesus is the theme ! 

Jesus ! Thou Light of every weary breast. 

Shine in my soul ; from darkness set me free : 
Guard those who sleep, and give them peaceful rest. 

And bless the lonely watcher on the sea. 

A. N. Lewis. 

[Written on board the "Kanucee." during a cruise with F. P. Lewis and 
G. Skiff Ford, while at anchor in Port Chester Harbor. Long Island Sound. 
September 4th, 1889.] 



234 



THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 




\\(K)1)1!LRV, CO.NXKCTICUT 235 

Septembkr 5, 1900. — Where the waters of the Chesapeake join 
those of the Atlantic on the Virginia shore, there stands on a sandy 
dune, a primitive scliool house, whicii is used for missionary as well 
as educational purposes. 

The surrounding country is a vast stretch of land and sea. Very 
few white men's houses are seen, the huildings are mostly cabins 
occuped by the negroes, many of them having only one room with 
a ladder reaching to the loft above. 

The "Buck Roe" Mission vSchool is not many miles from Hamp- 
ton Institute, and the teachers from this school have done much 
toward elevating and christianizing the race. ( )n Sunday the 
"chariot" comes down with both teachers and students to hold Sun- 
day School service. 

Each Wednesday a sewing school is conducted by two of the 
teachers doing missionary work. There are from ninety to one hun- 
dred in the building, and when the bell calls them together the dusky 
faces are seen on every avenue, lane and by-way, all eager and none 
willing to lose the day that brings a l)right spot into their lives. 

The school opens with a recitation in concert of a Psalm, the 
Creed and the General Thanksgiving or Confession, followed by 
the Lord's Prayer, the exercises concluding with a hymn, led by the 
little melodeon in the corner of the room. All these we have taught 
them orally, as many of them cannot read. Their faces are often sad, 
but brighten when we speak of freedom. One old slave-woman 
said about the burning of Richmond : "I knowed fer shuah we wuz 
free when I smelled the smoke." 

The bright-eyed little boys and girls from the Whittier School 
come in and join us. Although they have been in school from 
nine in the morning until half-past one, they sit patiently sewing 
their over-hand seams in the quilts which they know are to be sent 
to some school in the Black Belt, or to some one less favored than 
themselves. When the term closes guests come down from the 
Institute, and buns, crullers and cofifee are served while they listen 
to letters of grateful acknowledgement from the school where their 
work has been sent. They sing the beloved plantation melodies with 
swaying bodies, beating feet and an enthusiasm none can know ex- 



236 TllK TOWN AND PEOPLE 

cepting- those who have been in bondage, and now are free. The 
auction block is a thing- of the past, but their httle sewing blocks they 
have put together to add to the happiness of others are stepping 
stones in their path of progress, giving them a conscious pride, that 
although so humble, they are of some use to the world. Beside the 
teaching there are other days when distant cabins are to be visited, 
that the sick, the destitute and the lonely may be made comfort- 
able. The way often lies "under the gum tree down in the swamp" 
where the white azalea blooms, or through forests where the yellow 
jasmine hangs in festoons from the tall trees, filling the air with a 
delicious fragrance. The tall sea grass waves among the wheels, 
and the tangled hedgerows, bright with the blossoms of the trumpet 
vine, are often our only guide. There are pit falls and broken 
bridges, but our wise "Missionary horse" always takes us safely 
over. The eager, cheery welcome we receive is from the heart, and 
the lessons we learned in those old cabins, of faith and patience, are 
not easily forgotten. 

These ^Mission schools have much that is historic in their location. 
It was near here that the .\frican slavers, with their pitiful cargo 
made their first landing. It was under the evergreen oak, near the 
Whittier School, at the close of the Civil War, that Gen. Butler de- 
clared the slaves "contraband of war." The guns at Fortress Mon- 
roe are on the right. We look out on the waters where the Cumber- 
land was sunk and where the Merrimac, in iron clad armor, was 
disabled by the little Monitor's guns. The oystermen and fisher- 
men have much to be thankful for in this lovely climate. They 
need but little fuel and the waters yield them their food supply. 

The scenery is a thing of beauty by night, when the waters are 
all aglow with phosphorescent light, and the sea by day with its ever 
changing lights and shadows is a joy forever. 

Woodbury, Coxn. Harriett E. Judson. 

September 6, 1890 — Nearly eighty-two years have flown since 
Augusta Bacon saw the light in the paternal home, where with four 
brothers she grew up — two young sisters dying in early maidenhood. 
Her father, Reuben Walker, lived in Cat Swamp neighborhood. 



\V()(U)BLKV, CONNECTICUT 237 

whence she came into the Center to a select school. After her 
marria^^e she went to live in the house where she passed her lonij 
life, a home with wide halls and generous rooms full of quaint furni- 
ture from both sides of the family, and with portraits of great value 
and ancient date upon the walls, a house which beheld many 
guests under its hospitable roof and showed universal kindness to 
all. — Derby Transcript. 

September 7, 1844.- — -^^'^cl now permit me to address a few words 
to these true-hearted Whigs on this occasion. I stand here to-day, 
my friends as the representative of the Whigs of Woodbury, whose 
untiring efforts in this good cause have won for them a name, which 
has been judged by the proper tribunal, worthy of being written high 
up on the pillar of political distinction along side of yours, but 
which for reasons, existing in their own ideas of the merits of the 
case, they wish to place a little beneath it. And they have sent me 
here to-day to place in your hands the insignia of precedence, the 
award of merit, and most gladly and cheerfully I have come to do 
their bidding and present you with this beautiful banner as a me- 
mento of your success and the glory you have won in the commence- 
ment of a campaign whose closing scenes, we trust, judging from the 
bright visions of enlightened enthusiasm everywhere witnessed 
around us, will show a regenerated govenment and nation, and 
usher into the presidential chair one of our country's most worthy 
sons. 

How honorable and praiseworthy it is for men who have the 
same interest at stake and who are laboring to promote the same 
cause to strive to excel, each, while doing all he can to promote the 
great object, will still hope his competitor will do more and will 
raise a louder shout of praise for him than he would expect in his 
own case — we may find a parallel away back in the games and races 
of Ancient Greece. Then the most renowned heroes, legislators 
and statesmen did not consider it l)eneath their character or dignity 
to contend for the prize, they even counted it glorious to share in the 
toil. 

Ihit the instigators of those games had higher objects in view 



238 the: town and peopi^e 

than the gratification of ambition or vanity. It was their design to 
prepare the youth for vigorous action, to enure them to fatigue and 
render them interpid in war. So it was with those true-hearted 
men who instituted the banner race. Take the banner, then, with 
the same sjjirit that it is presented, it is the coronation badg'e of the 
banner town : 'tis yours to-day. whose it wiU be in November re- 
mains to he decided. If you keep it, it will recjuire the most untiring 
efforts. Vou will understand that Whigs are your competitors, and 
Connecticut Whigs, too, who profess a spirit that never shrinks at 
difficulties or trials. One hundred and forty-one towns have entered 
the list as your competitors, and among them the Whigs of Wood- 
Iniry. Take this banner, I say, and as you gaze upon it resolve that 
you will put forth a mightier effort in that cause which will bless 
the country, the effects of whose success will tell throughout the 
length and breadth of otir glorious republic. — From Address -a'itli 
Presentation of Banner from Woodbury to North Stoniiii^ton. 
WooDp.uRY, Conn. Reuben H. Hotchkiss. 

September 8, 1895. — To one familiar with the beauties of the 
Litchfield Hills, it seems a matter of wonder that they are not better 
known, and are not more frequented l^y those who in the Summer 
exchange city avenues for country lanes. The lover of pure country 
air could hardly do better than go up among' these hills. The 
beauty of the scenery is all natural, the open country is not "beauti- 
fied" by landscape gardening. It is simply nature. This part of 
the country lias many interesting Indian traditions and stories of 
the first settlers. If he only knows where to get hold of tiiem, and 
they are not hard to find, the visitor can revel in the delightful tra- 
ditions, and can conjure up pictures of the ]iast whose reality will 
be increased by the fact that he can visit the scenes and places he 
hears al)out. ^luch of this beauty in this region among the Litch- 
field Hills is due to the wildness of the country. The country is 
also rocky, cliff's and large boulders and deep seams of rock are on 
all sides. Just a few hundred feet back from the main street in 
Woodburv is a range of cliffs, the (3renaug Range, crowned with 
woods and \\ ith the wall of rock falling in sheer precipice on the 



WOODBURY, CONNKCTICUT 



239 




O! 



240 TIIK TOWN AND PKOPLE 

village side. Instead of smooth, tame hills, cultivated on the top 
and on all their rounded sides, such as are seen in Western New 
York, the Litchfield Hills are rough and ra.t^oed and wild looking, 
with the heavy woods all over and around them. The height of 
these hills is something which might attract people in search of 
pure air. At one point near the town of Bethlehem the altitude is 
said to be the same as that of the Catskills. One can look westward 
over the top of the hills, and on a clear day can see the Catskills and 
the Highlands of the Hudson, the old farmers say. To the east 
the hills about New Haven and Meriden are to be seen, and to the 
south are the Roxbury Hills and Ciood Hill, where the first settlers 
stood and gazed down into the beautiful Pomperaug Valley before 
them. Ihit although the hills are high, and distant scenery is grand, 
the village scenery is quiet and restful. The Village Green, the white 
churches of the typical New England style, the old Cemeteries, and 
especially the long Main streets, beautifully shaded with maples 
and lined with rows of frame houses ; these make a restful change 
from city pavements and brownstone fronts. It is reported -that 
"Peter Parley" or Samuel G. Goodrich said that he had traveled 
the world over, but he considered the drive from Southbury to 
Woodbury one of the most beautiful in the world. And after his 
travels he went l)ack to Southbury, Iniilt a house, and there spent his 
declining years. The old Peter Parley house is still standing. The 
names of the places around preserve the memory of the aborigines 
who dwelt among them. The Pomperaug River and Xonnewaug 
Falls are named for two chiefs. Then there are the Orenaug Cliffs, 
Ouassapaug Lake, Lake Wauremaug, and a district called Kisse- 
waug. \\ oodl)ury was the first settlement in this immediate region, 
and the other places sprang u]) from adventurous settlers from that 
place. The mound, which marks the grave of the old Chief 
Pomperaug, is still pointed out on the main street to visitors, and the 
Main street itself is said to follow the line of the old Indian trail. 
Woodbury was founded about 1658, and an incpiisitive person can 
decipher dates on many a curious gravestone in the quaint cemetery ; 
the oldest one in town, which lies on the line of the main street.- — ■ 
Litchfield C Orrespoiuhvicc. 

CoxTKiiu'TKn i!v I\Irs. AsAiiKi. W. Mitchell. 



WOODIUKV, CONNECTICUT 24I 



September 14, 1900- 



Echoes from the valley, 

Echoes from the hill. 
My ear is bent to listen, 

And the pulses thrill. 

Echoes well awakened. 

An echo as of song. 
The sound of many voices. 

Amid a chorus long. 

And memory is busy. 

To catch the accents sweet. 
That mingle in that chorus 

Of those we once did greet. 

My soul is full of echoes. 

Wandering to and fro, 
Strangely clear the music 

Of the long ago. 

Such echoes are eternal. 

And though the years be long. 
We shall find them, mingled 

With the victor's song. 

MiNNE.\POLis. Minn. Lor.\ Hoi.uster. 

September 15, 1898.— Rev. Herl)ert J. VV_vckoff was ordained 
to the work of the Gospel Ministry in the North Church, September 
15, 1898. The sermon on the occasion was preached by Rev. Frank 
C. Porter, D. D., of Yale Theological Seminary. The ordaining 
prayer was offered by Rev. J. G. Davenport, D. D., of Waterbury. 
The charg-e to the pastor was given by Rev. J. L. R. Wyckoff, and 
the right hand of fehowship by Rev. Sherrod Soule of Naugatuck. 

Woodbury, Conn. J. L. R. Wyckoff. 

September 16, 1900. — The invitation to contribute to a Souvenir 
of Woodbury is of the kind no one can decline whose heart is 
touched bv the scenes and associations of his native place. So 



242 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

fresh are these still in my mind that it seems hardly credible that I 
left there nearly two scores of years ago — so fastly times flies. 
Through all the varied experiences peculiar to the college world, the 
grim realities of the business life, with its special temptation to be 
content with the purely worldly success it offered, and the years of 
final preparation for my life's work, have gone the unquestioned and 
restraining influences, though perhaps not always duly recognized, 
of the home, the social, and the religious life of Woodbury. 

My visits to my home have been comparatively few and brief, but 
my thoughts have l)een ever there, as they nuist always be during my 
parents' lifetime ; while the old home will continue to live in my 
memory as the most sacred spot on earth, for what spot can be dearer 
to one, than that which marks th site of his birth. It has passed 
from our po.^session, 1)ut that portion of my native town must 
always be dearest to me, as its scenes and associations can never 
be effaced. When I go l)ack now I feel in a large way among 
strangers and in some measure in a strange, but it cannot be denied, 
greatly improved place, and with this feeling comes the significant 
and suggestive truth, that the old town has almost, if not quite, 
passed into the liands of another generation. 

I cannot conceive of anyone being wholly indifferent to the 
changes transpiring in the town of his birth. He must note wath a 
peculiar sense of gratifying jjride every change that evidences prog- 
ress, for nothing in this world is at a stand still — we are either 
going forward or we are going backward. 

As I recall more particularly the home scenes and duties of those 
early years following the romantic period of childhood, how true 
and realistic seems this bit of graphic description in "Snowl)ound" : 

"Meanwhile we did our nightly chores, — 
Brought in the wood from out of doors. 
Littered the stalls, and from the mows 
Raked dowji the herd's grass for the cows; 
Heard the horse whinning for his corn ; 
And sharply clashing horn on horn. 
Impatient down the stanchion rows 
The cattle shake their walnut bows : 
While peering from his early percli 



WOODBURY, COXXECTICUT 243 

Upon the scaffold's pole of birch, 
The cock his crested helmet bent 
And down his querulous challenge sent." 

And further contrasting- the ])resent with what once was : 

"How strange it seems, with so much gone 

Of life and love, to still live on ! 

The dear home faces whereupon 

That fitful firelight paled and shone. 

Hence forward listen as we will, 

The voices of that hearth are still — 

We tread the paths their feet have worn. 

We sit beneath their orchard trees. 

We hear, like them, the hum of bees 

And rustle of the bladed corn, — 

Yet love will dream, and faith will trust, 

(Since He who knows our need is just) 

That somehow, somewhere, meet we must. 

Alas for him who never sees 

The stars shine through his cypress trees! 

Who, hopeless, lays his dead away. 

Nor looks to see the breaking day 

Across the mournful marbles play ! 

Who hath not learned, in hours of faith, 

The truth to flesh and sense unknown. 

That life is ever Lord of Death, 

And Love can never lose its own." 

It is my good forttine. I am pleased to think, to be at present living 
in a rtigged, mountainous country, offering more extensive range 
of view than can be found perhaps elsewdiere in all New England. 
Our village street skirts the top of an open mountain range 1,550 
feet above the sea level. 

Sitting on my piazza in the evening one distinctly sees to the east 
the illuminated tower on the summit of Mt. Tom, some 300 feet 
lower than the observer (though not apparently so), wliile directly 
in front of him gleams the electric lights of Springfield. Blanford 
is a most delightful spot in Summer and much sought for its pines 
and salubrious air, and quite as assiduously avoided the remainder 
of the year. Facing, as I often have, the fierce winds and driving 



244 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

Storms of mid-winter, beating my way through snow drifts higher 
than a horse's back, reminds me again of Whittier's reminiscences of 
his childhood (spent as it was in this old Bay State) as narrated 
in "A Winter Idyl" : 

"Unwarmed by any sunset light 

The gray day darkened into night, 

A night made heavy with the swarm. 

And whirl-dance of the blinding storm. 

As zigzag wavering to and fro. 

Crossed and recrossed the winged snow : 

And ere the early bedtime came 

The white drift piled the window frame, 

And through the glass the clothes line posts 

Looked in like tall and sheeted ghosts." 

"A solitude made more intense 

By dreary voiced elements, 

The shrieking of the mindless wind. 

Tlie moaning tree-boughs swaying blind, 

And on tW glass the unmeaning beat 

Of ghostly finger-tips of sleet. 

"Then toiled again the cavalcade. 
O'er windy hill, through clogged ravine 
And woodland paths that wound between 
Low drooping pine boughs winter weighed." 

Blanford, M.\ss. H. T. P.\rtree, M. D. 

September 17, 1881. — The day on which the Woodbury Agri- 
cuhural Association held the Twenty-third Annual Fair proved to 
by one of those delightful ones of the early Fall, having a clear sky 
with a cool invigorating atmosphere. A gentle breeze softly rustled 
through the woods and over the hills, now and then a crimson and 
vellow leaf winnowed its r-vay down through the air ; the sound 
of the squirrel was heard, gathering his store in the still woods, 
flocks of blue birds warbling alighted on the hedge and swept away 
in a cloud, while circling swallows foretold the early harvest and the 
plenteous vear. The indications for the day were that careful prepa- 



\VOODBL■R^■, CUX-MvCTlClT 245 

rations and well arranged plans had been perfected for the enjoyment 
of the yearly festival. A prosperous town, whose agricultural, manu- 
facturing and merchantile interest were fully in keeping with the 
times, had gathered of the best in their several lines of business, for 
friendly competition and the satisfaction of well-merited approval. 
The grounds of the Association at West Side furnished ample space 
to the exhibitors and for the attending crowds of people. At an 
early hour long lines of yoked cattle, of fine stock and thorough 
training, with their sleek shining coats and white horns tossing in 
the air, guided by competent drivers, were seen approaching from the 
north, east, south and west. Coming down Main Street from the 
north was a long line of Devons owned by Chauncey Atwood, Pres- 
ton Atwood, E. C. Atwood, E. D. Judson and Silas Judson ; from 
the east was another line of Devon stock owned by R. C. Partree, 
S. and W. J. Clark, S. W. Bacon, A. B. Gibson, George Griswold and 
Sidney Scovill ; from the south were the Durham cattle owned by 
William Strong and A. P>. Stone, included with them are exhibited 
the Durham grades owned by T .B. Terrill, R. B. Judson, S. H. 
Peck, Charles Hart and N. W. Terrill, the .Mderneys belonging to 
J. H. Linsley, William Smith and J. T. Ward, with stocks of cattle 
owned by G. F. Smith, George Terrill, Charles W'oodward and 
Percy Brothers. 

The main thoroughfares of the town were filled with fine car- 
riages and horses, carrying families or groups of friends to the Fair 
grounds. The wide entrance gate admitted the rapidly increasing 
number of visitors, teams and foot passengers, representing well 
known and honored residents of Woodbury and the adjoining towns 
of Bethlehem, Roxbury, Southbury and South Britain. Crossing the 
driveway to the central field to the large circular tract, reserved for 
parties who were driving, from here the whole fair was seen in its 
entirety, resembling a miniature town of sudden gowth. The main 
tent of the Association, whose flying flags could be seen from manv 
of the avenues of approach to the grounds, covered with a large 
circumference an extensive portion of the area, and contained manv 
products of the farm, goods from the manufacturer and samples 
from the merchants" stock. Xear this section were the enclosures 



246 THE TOW'iS^ AXD PKOI'LE; 

fur the poultn', dairy exhiljits and a,qricultural implements, some- 
what resemhHng the "greatest show on earth." The side attractions 
were nnm erons, with all manner of lightly constrncted huildings in 
ahimdance. 

Having crossed the speedway, where teams are coming and going, 
the horses could be fastened about the inclosures, if so desired, for all 
was perfectly secure during a tour of inspection. We passed quickly 
along the main thoroughfare, with the merry-go-rounds, snake 
charmers, machinery for testing strength, picture galleries, venders 
of horse whips, the rivalry of the show men, often becoming intense, 
and hasten toward the large exhibit, for a brief glance at all that is 
interesting and valuable in the various departments, noting the 
superior excellence of each section ; cereals, vegetables, fruits and 
flowers, samples of tine cutlery and woolen manufacturers, sewing 
machines, musical instruments and domestic manufactures. Weary- 
ing of the endless display we turned to the crowds of people, some 
discussing agricultural implements, others comparing notes in some 
special line of progressive work, all showing an ability to select the 
valuable from the worthless and that best suited to the wishes and 
needs of themselves and those associated with them. The interest 
of the day was with the cattle, where the best are brought into com- 
petition. The working oxen, draft oxen and trained steers gave 
man}- evidences of thorough training, strength and skill. Proudly 
waving their premium tickets, they march homeward in long com- 
panies at nightfall, closing the "Cattle Day" at the fair. The 
attendance on the second day doubled, special attention being given 
to exhibits that on yesterdav received only a hasty glance. The 
program for the afternoon was the trial of speed of the horses. The 
grand stand was occupied with interested spectators, and the teams 
of people looking on. gathered closely about the judges' l)Ox. The 
horses were oiT, as was thought, but were recalled again and again, 
until the judges decided the start was correct. Then they swept 
around the track, circling it once and a second time, the winner, in 
advance as they passed under the line, received the purse and honors. 

According to the decision of the judges, various premiums and 
honors were bestowed : 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 247 

The best exhibit of grain was by C. C. Alitchell. Prizes for fine 
vegetables were given G. P. Crane, J. G. Curtis, Wilham Smith, 
Frank Peck and A. 15. Gibson. Awards for fine fruit to Seth Hol- 
hster, G. D. Barnes, J. G. Curtis and Homer Root. Premiums on 
poultry to X. M. Strong, G. D. Terrill and D. E. Mallet. Premium 
sheep were owned by C. D. Minor. Horses received awards that 
were owned by W. D. Mitchell, C. M. Goodsell, M. F. Skelly, J. 
W. Traver, F. B. Ford, H. H. Morehouse, F. Smith and H. War- 
ner. The finest diploma awarded for agricultural implements was 
given to Homer Root. In domestic manufactures premiums 
awarded for carpets, counterpanes and comfortables were given Mrs. 
Alexander Gordon, Mrs. James B. DeForest, Mrs. A. B. Gibson 
and Mrs. Betsey Cam. Specimens of fine needlework were by Mrs. 
Charles Strong, Mrs. F. F. Hitchcock, Mrs. William Strong, Mrs. 
D. S. Lemmon, Mrs. Truman Judson, Miss Belle Judson, Miss 
Lottie Hitchcock. Miss Ella Taylor, and in worsted work from 
Miss Florence Leavenworth and Miss Carrie Mallet. The premium 
on butter was given to Mrs. John T. Ward, and for best wheat bread 
to Mrs. George C. Bradley and ^Ivs. Sarah Smith. Discretionary 
awards were given to Mrs. William Cothren for paintings, to F. F. 
Hitchcock for exhibit of stoves, to William J. Wells for boots and 
shoes, to W. W. \'ictory for sewing machines, to W. H. Rowell for 
jewelry, to Barney Murphy for art collection, and W. A. Strong & 
Co. for fine perfumes. 

The return from the Fair was easily accomplished. Each horse 
had caught an inspiration from the speed shown in the afternoon 
and endeavored to surpass all others in being the first to reach 
home. 

Woodbury, Conn. Julia Minor Strong. 

September i8, 1900. — I have always considered Woodljury a 
town more influential in matters of general interest in the State than 
an}- other town of its size in population that I have ever known. It 
came, I suppose, from the character of its prominent residents. 
There was always a large numlier of solid men in the old town. 
When T left there, now more than fortv vears ago. I can recall the 



248 THE TOWX AXD PEOPLE 

names of some men whose opinions were sought quite extensively. 
Judge Charles Phelps, Nathaniel Smith, Thomas Bull and Daniel 
Curtis were men of sound judgment, and their influence extended 
quite heyond the town limits. 

When the writer was a lad of some ten or twelve years, a little 
incident occurred which I well rememher. There was then a man 
living in the town by the name of Uriah Judd. He was compelled, 
like all other able-bodied men between the age of eighteen and forty- 
five, to do military duty twice a year, once in the month of May 
and again in September. He conceived a great disgust for it. He 
did not find many in sympathy with him until he concocted a scheme 
to place it in the same light in which he saw it. He gathered to- 
gether about one hundred and fifty men to join him in carrying out 
his plans, which were as follows : 

They were to have what was called a "general training" day. 
All were to dress in the most grotesque forms they could contrive. 
Their guns were to be broomsticks and swords made of wood. Their 
band music was to be furnished with tin pails for drums and fish 
horns for musical instruments. They drilled until they could march 
very gracefully, and their demeanor was highly dignified. They 
assembled on the vacant plot of ground in Xorth Woodliury called 
"The Green," and after marching i)retty generally through the 
streets, returned to "The Green" to hear the General's address and 
then disband. The General, Mr. Uriah Judd, was seated on a donkey 
with dry codfish tails for epaulets, and his address was delivered in 
a most solemn and impressive manner. While I cannot give you 
much of his address, the substance was as follows: "Soldiers of 
Connecticut, our State is in peril, and it is to your strong arm that 
we look for defense. There are already greedy eyes continually 
watching your every move, and waiting only for a favorable op- 
portunity, when efforts seem to slacken on your part, to invade our 
State. The hordes from Labrador on the North arc to join hands 
with the cannibals of Patagonia on the South, and from those two 
opposite points are to over-run, destroy and consume us," etc. It 
had its eft'ect, the ridicule was so pointed that a discussion was 
started and in a short time the law compelling military muster was 
repealed, much to the disgust of the small boy and the peanut vender. 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 249 

Woodbury is also largely represented by her sons throughout 
the civilized world. Not many years since, I read an account of the 
death in California of the largest farmer in the world. His name 
was Mitchell, and I am told he was born in Woodbury. I knew a 
man by the name of Mitchell who went to California fifty years ago, 
but he returned, I believe, and I suppose the reason why he didn't 
become noted, was his love for his native town ; he couldn't stay away 
long enough. I have seen in the "Reporter," not long since, that a 
man by the name of Mitchell has succeeded, by a large personal 
contribution and other efforts, in establishing a system of graded 
schools, and the work has been accomplished. I have often won- 
dered if he belonged to the family that went early, after the dis- 
covery of gold, to California. It shows that men of influence still 
reside in the old town. I saw also in the "Reporter" that a Wood- 
bury boy was in the Klondike regions, you find them everywhere. 

The "Reporter" has taken root and branch since the writer 
left, and next to a returning visit I enjoy its perusal. It 
is also ably aiding improvements there. I beg to offer a suggestion. 
Tell Xorth Woodbury people to run a fence around "The Green" 
and then lay out some gravel walks and plant three or four dozen 
flowering shrubs and connect the public water, and they w^ill have 
done enough to increase the value of their property much more than 
the outlay has been. On South Main Street, lay out a plot of ground 
twenty or twenty-five feet wide, extending the entire length of the 
cemetery, with oval ends. Let this plot run through the center of 
the street, with a roadway on both sides, fence and set a thick hedge 
inside with flowering shrubs in the enclosure, and walks as con- 
venience requires. This will make a prominent object between resi- 
dences on the East Side and the cemetery. Later thoughts and better 
thoughts now locate cemeteries somewhat remote from residential 
locations.. 

In closing I wish to send my love to Woodbury, its name whenever 
spoken in my hearing is sure to have one interested listener. 

"Breathes there the man with soul so dead 

Who never to himself hath said 

This is my own, my native land," etc. 

Bridgeport, Conn. D. C. Peck. 



250 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE; 

September 20, 1900. — If I were to undertake to contribute any- 
thing, and my pen were once well going, how could I ever stop, so 
much happens to every boy from five to fifteen years of age. Some 
of it happened to me through the well-developed muscles of the 
instructor of my early days, N. M. Strong. My only regret, respect- 
ing Woodbury, is that I ever sold my home. 

Broadway, New York. Arthur B. Abernethy. 

September 22, 1881. — The fifteenth annual reunion of the Second 
Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery and the Nineteenth Con- 
necticut Volunteer Infantry was held in Woodbury with their as- 
sociated members. A large representation of the veterans was 
present, who registered at the Town Hall. President O. R. Fyler 
called the business meeting at noon, and Rev .J. W. Davies offered 
prayer. After the annual report and election of officers a committee 
was appointed to draft resolutions regarding the recent death of 
the President of the United States, James A. Garfield. The business 
meeting being concluded, the Curtiss Cornet Band led the way to the 
Soldiers' Monument, where further exercises under the direction of 
William Cothren, Chairman of General Exercises. Introductory 
prayer was offeed by Rev. J. L. R. Wyckoff, and an address of wel- 
come was given by George Shelton, of the law firm of Huntington 
& Shelton. The company then adjourned to the premises of 
Deputy Sheriff George P. Crane, where a bountiful collation had 
been prepared by the people of the town, and was served under the 
tent of the Woodbury Agricultural Association. Letters from 
absent ones were read, and a poem given by Willam Cothren. l^rief 
speeches were followed l)y a poem by Charles Rodgers of Woodbury, 
the exercises closing with several short addresses. 

The day was memorable as being the anniversary of the battle of 
Fisher's Hill, Virginia. They recalled how the Corps advanced up- 
ward to the summit of an almost unapproachable height, aiding 
their comrades to drive the opposing forces from a position of great 
advantage in which they considered they were secure. In the 
recollections of the battle of Winchester, a leading general said that 
the result of the conflict was doulttful until this regiment, uniting 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 25 1 

with those of New York and Pennsylvania, hravely retained the 
position until the enemy were scattered and driven out. Cold Har- 
bor brought to mind the heroism of their comrades, and sad thoughts 
of the many who fell mortally wounded. They could recall how 
their regiment was at the head of the march into Petersburg on April 
3rd, and later joining General Sherman's army in the march to 
North Carolina, aided in securing the final surrender of Lee's army. 
Many individual acts of bravery were mentioned and they re- 
membered the deeds of their comrades with just honor. The day 
closed with a resolution of thanks to the people of Woodbury. — Con- 
densed from JJ'oodbiiry Reporter. 

Septe^hber 24, 1900.— The first twenty years of my life were 
spent in the delightful old town of Woodbury. That they were 
happy years goes without saying, and I have visited there often 
enough not to lose my interest in the place. My education began 
ten days before my second birthday. The reason was not unusual 
capacitv, but as the teacher. Miss Laura Judson, afterward Mrs. 
Silas Clark, boarded with my mother and wished to make a two 
days' visit, it was an easy way to dispose of me. I knew the alpha- 
bet and remember whispering the letters to her, forgetting myself 
read some of them aloud, when she requested me read the remainder, 
in the same voice, I replied : "I should not," stamping my foot very 
forcibly, although she said I did not look so. One other remem- 
brance of those days was of a small whip that she some times used. 
Not finding it, two of the girls came to her assistance, but upon learn- 
ing that she desired to punish Frances and Lydia, they lost their in- 
terest. This was a private school and was taught in an old store 
that stood on Mr. Whitlock's grounds. This store was once kept by 
Leman Sherman, who lived in Xorth Church parsonage. The 
counting room was our school room in Winter and the larger room 
during the Summer. How well I rememl)er the large airy room 
with north and south windows. The counter still remained in the 
room and l^ehind this we had quilts and pillows for our afternoon 
nap. The school was six hours a day and our A B C's did not 
occupy all of our time. 



252 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

Our next teacher was Miss Elliot, and I think all who attended 
her school will bear me out in saying that if we did not make school 
teaching a task, it was not our fault. One incident will be sufficient. 
The school was taught in the old Town Hall, where George Saxton 
now resides. Fred, and Doc, Sam C. and nearly all the girls tied 
their shoestrings together and walked up the hill. Of course we 
occupied the whole of the road, but it was finally accomplished with 
some slight mishaps and much laughter. When the teacher gave 
the signal to come in, it was a different matter to go up the stairs 
hampered as we were, and she, not understanding the difficulty, de- 
prived us of our recess. 

My next school was in Esquire ]Minor's law office near the resi- 
dence of William Cothren. The school was taught by Miss Hotch- 
kiss from Watertown, and what little good there is in me, I owe to 
her. I could tell of some amusing incidents, but will not weary 
you. When sixteen years of age I attended school near where Mrs. 
George Lewis now resides. Miss Thayer was the teacher. Mr. 
Deviri's drug store was in one side of the building and Mr. 
Cha])in's jewelry store in the other part. On the second floor 
spectacles were made, and in the basement German silver spoons 
were manufactured. ^Nliss Thayer desired us to be very careful not 
to indulge in rudeness, and I think we were obedient in general. 
On one recess, however, we found Ed. Whitlock's new sleigh and 
horse in front of the drug store, and although he stood near the 
window, the temptation was too much for us, and as many as could 
rode in the inside, the others occupying standing room anywhere 
possible to find it. The girls were comfortably arranged in the 
inside of the sleigh. We drove as far as the lower end of the street. 
Turning around, the horse fell upon his knees, causing some upon 
the outside to fall off, among these were myself. The party was too 
merry to hear the call and we had to walk back to the school, carry- 
ing the whip which we had with us. I shall never forget the look 
of horror our teacher gave us as we entered the school room. I 
remember Rev. Mr. Churchill saying that he never knew of but one 
place where the girls had such good times as in Woodbury. 

Watertown, Con^n. Maria A. Corning. 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 



253 




254 THE TOWN AND I'KOPLK 

Ski'TKmber 25, 1835. — -^t a meeting of the youth of Woodbury, 
holden at the Town Room, agreeable to pubhc notice, for the purpose 
of forming a Temperance Society, Silas Clark was chosen chair- 
man and Jolm McKinney clerk. Voted, that those who shall belong 
to such Society shall be under the age of thirty. Voted, that a com- 
mittee of four be appointed to draft a constitution was chosen: 
Henry 15. Sherman, John McKinney, George B. Sherman and Cor- 
nelius J. Minor. Voted, to adjourn to October 8 to meet at this 
place. — Records of Youth's Tnnpcrance Society. 

Woodbury, Conn. W. B. Hotchkiss, Secretary. 

Ski'TEmber 25, 1900. — I can write but little, not being a resident 
of \\'oodbury, but of Ancient Woodbury, and not having very good 
healtli. lUit there are plenty of sons and daughters of Woodbury 
to fill and make interesting such a book as is proposed. I think a 
Judson was one of the first settlers of Woodbury, and one of the 
first deacons of the North Church was a Judson. and a succession 
of Dea. Judsons followed until Dea. Truman Judson resigned, and 
none of that name took his place. I suppose I am a direct descendant 
of the first Judson in Woodbury, and have often said that Woodbury 
is one of the prettiest country villages in New England, and I think 
it has just commenced to grow in many respects. 1 have an ac- 
quaintance with N. M. Strong and had also with his grandfather, 
and think it not out of place, to say that they belong to the sulistantial 
people of Woodbury. 

Pico Heights, Los Angeles, Caueornia. F. E. Jl'dson. 

September 26, 1900. — If one is tired of the rush and excitement 
of business in the great city, and wearied by the clang of the trolley, 
and the sliriek of the locomotive, or in the strain of literary work 
his nerves have become ungovernable, and his brain exhausted, he 
sighs for some j^lace where he mav be free from all these things, 
and find refreshments for mind and bodw Such a ])lace he will 
find in Woodbury, where nature has provided so much that is beau- 
tiful in trees, rocks, hills and dales, and runnmg brooks, a lan(kv:a])e 
pleasant to the eye and restful to the nerves. Here, too we will find 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 255 

the people kind and hospitable, exerting themselves to make his 
stav among- them so pleasant, he will soon feel he is among friends 
rather than strangers. Of all this I am assured, as ten years ex- 
perience has proved that I know whereof I write. 

Newton Center, Mass., Mrs. G. W. Noyes. 

Septe.mber 27, lyoo. — Home — and where a dearer place than 
Woodbury, not often surpassed in the beauty of its surroundings, the 
place of pleasant memories and home of most of my life, commenc- 
ing with school days, precious to me still are the friendships there 
formed. 

There are few without a home or the memory of one, the chord 
which vibrates quicker than any other in the human heart. A happy 
place, if day by day we do our best, with never a fretting care, content 
and joyful in the duties of life. 

Home is the soul itself. 

The memories of many friends are pleasant, but sad also, for one 
by one the call of eternity will be for each. The last earthly good- 
by will echo through the river, angels will open the Heaven gate, 
friends will come to greet us, and death will be but the unveiling 
of His beauty in Heaven our Home. 

WooDiiURY, Conn. E. M. Dawson. 

September 28, 1900 — In 1839, or thereabouts, Willis Judd of 
Bethel, Conn., an uncle of mine, married Miss Augusta Mallory of 
Woodbury, Conn. About 1850 they came to reside in Mr. Judd's 
native village, with them bringing the fruit of their union in the 
shape of a bright ])oy of eight or ten years of age. As I was of the 
same age and naturally sought the company of this new cousin, it 
happened that I was often in the home of my Uncle Willis, and there 
I began to hear the praises of old Woodbury from the lips of uncle 
and aunt. I then began to hear of the wonderful sayings of Parson 
Noyes and of prominent peo]:)le in the old South Church, and of 
Parson Churchill of the North Church. In fact it seemed to my 
boyish imagination that Woodbury must be peopled with a remark- 
able race of intellectual giants. Mv aunt had been a school teacher 



256 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

and l)lesse(l with a g-ood memory, she never forgot or ceased to love 
the place of her birth. 

When I became a man and entered the ministry, one of my long- 
ings was for a pastorate in old Woodbury. As the Jew is said to 
pray with his face toward Jerusalem, so I now confess that for sev- 
eral years I prayed with my face toward Woodbury. 

In the Spring of 1885 the Lord heard ni}- prayer, and a committee 
of the M. E. Church sent me a very cordial invitation to become their 
pastor that Spring. I accepted their overture and was duly assigned 
to that Church. The three years succeeding were about as blessed 
and fruitful as any years of more than thirty that I have enjoyed in 
my experience as a Christian minister. 

Such delightful memories as now crowd upon me would take too 
much space in your Souvenir if 1 attempted to recall them all. First 
of all, the hearty good will and support of my own Church members 
in all my labors, the welcome and hospitality I received in every 
home of my people, and the warm and hearty good will of members 
of sister churches, made me feel very much at home and contributed 
much to my happiness. 

.\nd then no minister ever had truer nobler co-laborers in the work 
of God than I found in the pastors of the North and South Con- 
gregational Churches, Wyckoff at the North, and Powelson and 
Freeman at the South Church, and that prince of Episcopal Rectors, 
Rev. r3r. Nelson. Was there ever a more delightful man in any 
rural community than the blessed and saintly Nelson, whose brother- 
ly spirit went home to Heaven from the Episcopal rectory of W^ood- 
bury. He used to come u])on Sundav evenings to the Methodist 
Church and join in our service of song and prayer, and what a joy 
his presence gave us. 

Rev. Mr. Powelson and myself were invited by the vestry of St. 
Paul's to s])eak at his funeral, an honor that we accepted very 
promptly. "Pie was a good man, and full of Faith and the Holy 
Ghost." 

My memories of the laymen of old Woodbury, many of whom 
have gone up to the better land, are very precious. Union meetings 
gave me a chance to know them, and often I learned to love them. 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 257 

Among those whom I learned to esteem and love were Sherwood 
Seeley, Father Millard, Father Percy, Henry and William Dawson, 
Elijah Judson, Deacon Judson of the North Church, and Deacon 
Linsley of South Church. These, and many more that I might 
mention, were nohle men in their day and generation. 

Woodbury is very rich in cherished names and I do not forget that 
there were many noble women that deserve more than mere men- 
tion by a grateful ex-pastor of one of your Churches, but where 
could T begin or where end, for Woodbury is full of them. 

Mv mind, as I write, is full of pleasant pictures. To give you a 
sample. A very large gathering of relatives, friends, parishioners, 
old and new, representing five or six Churches, congratulations, in- 
numerable gifts of gold and silver, china and greenbacks, and a 
big heap of letters through the mail wishing us much joy. This oc- 
curred August 31, 1887, and celebrated our silver wedding. 

Another picture. The pastor was just about to begin prayer 
meeting one Thursday evening in the Fall of the year when a member 
of the family came into Church and whispered: ''We cannot find 
Clarke anywhere." The prayer meeting resolved itself into a search 
party for a lost boy of six years. Every nook and corner was searched 
in house and yard, barn and sheds, but no boy could be found. Some 
one suggested to send for hooks and grapple in the deep well. It 
was done while his papa and mamma looked on with hearts ready 
to break, if the only son should be found therein. Suddenly a cry 
is heard from the side of the Church in a deep window way. "Here 
he is ! Here he is !" the voice being that of Editor Wisegarver, who 
had discovered the boy fast asleep where he had hid in his play. 
The Editor had an item for the paper, and we had our lost boy safe 
and sound. The prayer meeting was turned into a praise meeting. 

Another picture. The preacher walking his study floor, trying 
to get thoughts and illustrations for his Sunday morning sermon. 
He glances out on the street and a coach drawn by a pair of bays 
comes slowly up the street and three fine-looking men of intellectual 
appearance gaze long and earnestly at the house in which I dwelt. 
Who were they? I soon saw that two of them were distinguished 
guests — Senator John Sherman and his brother. General William 



258 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

T. Sherman, U. S. A. — and the third, their host, was Esquire Wil- 
ham Cothren. They were looking at the home of one of Wood- 
bury's Sherman famihes, an ancestor of the two visitors, I think. 
Woodbury was honored that da}-. 

Another picture. A quiet and beautiful Sunday in March, 1888, 
closed with a very impressive service of song and prayer. When 
the congregation dispersed it was snowing gently, snow coming out 
of the west. People said "a snow squall." The next morning the 
drifts were in some places four and five feet in depth. My coal bin 
was snowed under, my well was snowed under, my barn was nearly 
snowed under, and it was noon before 1 could get there to feed my 
horse. I nearly perished in the attempt, but succeeded. That day 
and following night it snowed, it blew, it roared. Does anybody 
doubt it? Three days and nights we were shut in, a sick wife could 
not get a doctor. Three homes in Woodbury had dead members 
that could not be l)uried and were not for nearly a week. Oh ! it was 
awful, and some people said it was only "an old-fashioned snow 
storm." "Well," some of us said, "from old-fashioned snow storms, 
good Lord deliver us." 

So before we had another like it, we decided to pack up and go, 
the "Time limit" not having been removed then. Ihit we went re- 
luctantl}" from dear old Woodbury. 

H. O. JUDD. 

SKPTEiiBEK 29, iQoo. — 1 have considered the letter received and 
hardly think that I can write anything that will be of much interest. 

I was under ten years of age wdien 1 left Connecticut fifty-seven 
years ago. 

I well remember the rocks, the hills and the rills, and what good 
times I had with the boys at school, among them were the Walker 
boys, one liv the name of Strong and others. I was too young to 
rememlier or take note of remarkable incidents that would interest. 
My parents moved to Ohio in 1853. My mother died in the year 
1876, and my father in 1894. Three sons are living. T am a farmer 
in Ripley, Huron County, one is a doctor in Xew Philadelphia and 
the other a doctor in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Greexwicii, Ohio. Samuel E. Peck. 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 259 

September 30, 1900. — 

Any person may search far and wide ere was found, 
A more beautiful place than old Woodbury town. 

With its many fine trees that line the main street ; 
Let one look where they will, it will be hard to beat. 

From the north to the south of this grand old town, 
There are places of interest, which in plenty abound. 

There is the Nonnew^aug Falls with its Indian name. 
And to forget Woodbury falls would be surely a shame. 

There are those who have visited the Woodbury falls, 
Who will with good reason their visit recall. 

Take a walk in the park, which one will with delight. 
The new tower of steel will soon come in sight. 

If one wants some exercise, and much fun thrown in. 
Hie away to the golf links and try a game to win. 

In Winter when there is skating, if you are fond of the fun. 
On the Pomperaug River just take a long run. 

And if you want a celebration when your birthday coutis 'rnnnd. 
And a little joke together just live in Woodbury town. 

If one wishes his children a good school to attend, 
To the new Mitchell school they have only to send. 

There is a church for the Methodist, Congregational, two. 
Or. if you are Episcopalian, there's the church to suit vou. 

Different kinds of Inisiness in plenty are found. 
Work for old Woodbury, don't go out of town. 

Many beautiful sites in the town one will find. 
To build a cottage or mansion as one has a mind. 

There are houses as old as a century or more; 
Even Woodbury itself is two and twelve score. 

Much more might be said of this fine old town. 
But would take much to long to write it all down. 

Yes, we are proud of the town, and hope ahvays to be. 
And are waiting in patience Warner's trolley to see. 



26o 



the; town and peopIvE 



But whether '^'that's to be" "Or not to be ;" 
Still there is great hopes, one we shall soon see. 

And then. Ah ! then, what more does it need, 
To make old Woodbury take a big lead. 

And any one looking for a fine country home, 

If they come to Woodbury, need no further roam. 

Yet just as it is, old Woodbury town 
Is as pleasant place as is often found. 



Woodbury, Conn. 



Lillian Sanford Allen. 




KING SOLOMON S LODGE. 



OCTOBER. 



October 2, igoo. — I know it is customary to think that the Golden 
Age is in the past, but it is not ; at least not here in Woodbury. 
Elsewhere wanderers who come home may find that all things seem 
smaller and meaner than they were in the boy's eye. But it is the 
other way when one comes home to Woodbury. The hills are 
higher every year, the trees nobler, the walks and drives more at- 
tractive, the town more beautiful, and the people kinder in their 
welcome. Delightful as retrospect can be when it finds its way 
into reverie or dream, all retrospect of life here stands but as a 
pleasant background for realization. For better than the fulfillment 
of the wish to find all things "just as they used to be when I was a 
boy," is the happy discovery that so much is changed, when the 
transformation is, as it is here, always for the better. And there is 
something in such a home-coming that makes one wish to be 
worthier of it, even as he is better and stronger for it. 

North Woodbury, Conn. Herbert J. Wyckofe, 

Pastor First Congregational Church, Tops field, Mass. 

OcToiiER 5. 1900. — My earliest recollection of Woodbury is that 
of being held in my mother's arms at a window to see the "Roys in 
Blue" coming marching up the street during the Presidential Cam- 
paign of 1872. I was badly scared as I associated them in my mind 
with soldiers who killed people. As I grow older I find it is busi- 
ness men, not little boys, who are most scared at a Presidential 
Campaign. My next recollection is of running away to school. 
Soon after that event I was sent to school, and then I ran away from 
it. Punishment was meted out to me for the latter, but not the 
former. As a youngster in the "Ville School I was not punished 
much, but the memory of one shaking, stays by me still. The 
teacher was a strict disciplinarian, and for some ofifence gave me a 



262 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

shaking- up. 1 had always considered a shaking as easy, and had 
no dread until I began to fly around the schoolroom, in all direc- 
tions at the same time. When I had flown to pieces and only my 
soul remained, he let up. I was alive, but did not tempt fate again. 
We had another teacher in the 'Ville, who was so considerate of 
the scholars' feelings that when we reached the hard part of a sub- 
ject, it was promptly skipped and another subject begun. By this 
system we would go from Addition to Fractions (never beyond) 
several times in a term, and thus you see it made a sort of endless 
chain. My school days at Parker Academy under three principals, 
were, on the whole, very pleasant. How many of the scholars re- 
member Rob Fenn? As I recollect, he was about 6 feet 4 inches, 
and weighed about 130 pounds. When he first came to the 
Academy I was occupying one of the highest seats. Our Principal, 
Mr. Talmage, called me up to his desk, and after standing me by 
the side of the giant, asked me, "Don't you think that Robert needs 
a high seat more than you?" It made me sad, but I was forced 
to recognize the justice of his case. At another time, after the noon 
hour, a pail was seen hanging from a hook in the ceiling. Mr. Tal- 
mage looked at it and said : "Robert ! you may take that pail down, 
I know you put it up there, for nobody else in school could." 

One thing more, not a mere memory, but existing at present, is 
the natural beauty of Woodlniry. It is not composed of rocks and 
hills thrown together so closely that there is not level ground enough 
^or a baseball field, as is the case in some of the neighboring towns. 
From Sherman's Hill, especially the valley, surrounded by hills, 
which form a fitting frame, presents a view as pleasing, if not as 
extensive, as can be found almost anywhere. 

Waterbuky. Conn. Fletcher W. Judson. 

( )ctobEr 6, 1900. — The Woodbury Savings Bank was incorpo- 
rated by the General Assembly of 1872. 

riie Incorporators were: G. P. Allen, R. S. Woodrufif. P.. S. Rus- 
.sell, G. P. Lewis, H. D. Curtiss, T. C. Bacon, D. S. Bull. Charles 
Isbell, James G. Curtiss, Edward Cowles, W. A. Gordon, Theodore 
Judson, E. Roberts, H. C. I'.aldwin. G. F. ^Torris, G. D. Capewell, 



\\(K)l)ln•K^■, coxxKCTicuT 263 

S. E. Beardsley, J. I'.. Ilurton, Nathan Warner, J. H. Leavenworth, 
M. F. Skelly, O. E. Cartwrioht, j. W. judson, W. S. Seeley, Gil- 
bert Allen and Scoville Nettleton. 

The first meeting- of the Corporators was held June 25, 1872, and 
the following- officers were chosen : 

President, George B. Lewis. 

Vice-Presidents, Edward Cowles, H. D. Curtiss. 
Secretary and Treasurer, D. S. Bull. 

Directors, M. F. Skelly, Cxeorge P. Allen, D. C. Porter, B. S. Russell, 
Scoville Nettleton and Charles C. Mitchell. 
Auditors. Benjamin Fabrique and A. W. Mitchell. 

Mr. George B. Lewis was greatly interested in the Saving's Bank, 
so much so, that he built the office which the Bank now occupies in 
the Lewis Block, and let them -have it without rent, and his widow, 
Airs. Lewis, has continued to do the same, which has been a great 
help to the Bank especially when it started. 

Air. David S. Bull, the first Secretary and Treasurer, held that 
office for sixteen years when he resig-ned, and H. J. Tomlinson, the 
present Secretary and Treasurer, was appointed to fill his place. 

The deposits of the liank have increased gradually, as will be 
seen from the first statement in 1873, when they were $7,625.46 to 
the present time, when they amount to $200,250.32. 

The present officers of the Bank are : 

President, Edward Cowles. 

Vice-Presidents, H. D. Curtiss, F. F. Hitchcock. 

Directors, H. D. Curtiss, Scoville Nettleton, M. F. Skelly, L. J. Allen, 
Edward Cowles, D. C. Porter, F. F. Hitchcock, C. M. Harvey and H. S. 
TomHnson. 

Secretary and Treasurer. H. S. Tomlinson. 

Auditors, W. S. Curtiss and A. W. Mitchell. 

Woodbury, Conn. S. P. Tomlinson. 

OcToi'.KR y, 1900. — Eight years ago I sailed for Bertnuda, having 
a rough, but pleasant passage. Three days after, on a Sabbath 
morning, we entered Grassy Bay, opposite Ireland Island, to wait 
for the tide to enable us to enter the harbor through the narrowest 
passage possible for a ship to pass. Many of the passengers took 



2()4 THE TOWN AND I'KOI'LK 

a tender to go forward to secure room at the liotels, as the tide 
being' too low for the steamer to enter. The morning- was magnifi- 
cent, the sun shining on the green trees and the houses huiU of 
winte coral glistened like diamonds. /\s we entered the harbor 
where nine men-of-war ( Engdish ) were anchored, the soldiers 
going through their exercises, made a most beautiful ]MCture. .\s 
we approached the landing, the colored men were building- an odd 
])ridge of logs by which we could land, and the ladies in their pretty 
summer dresses and ga\' ])arasols were waiting to greet their 
friends. A\'e drove to our hotel situated on the basin, the piazza 
overlooking the water where we could sit and watch the boats con- 
stantly passing-, before the door, large palmetto trees were grow- 
ing, under which colored boys with their donkey carts wait for 
customers. I can assure you it is one of the loveliest places I have 
ever visited, and has left the most lasting hnpression. 

El.IZ.MiKTlI J. WiLKIXSON. 

October io, 1900. — A venerable resident of Woodbury writes: 
Woodbury is my native town ; my father came early in the last cen- 
turv to Woodbury and married the daughter of Dea. Mathew Minor, 
and died at the age of f(^rty-two years. I went to live with my 
grandfather and was under his teaching and good intfuence eight 
years. He was one of the best men ever raised in \Voodbury. He 
guided his life by the l>ible. After his conversion in early life he 
never shaved his face or blacked his boots on Sunday, but so ar- 
ranged things as to prepare for the Sabbath worship and service 
before sundown on Saturday, when the church bell would ring. 
Dea. Matthew Minor's influence still lives. He and Mrs. Nathaniel 
Strong's grandfather, were brothers. 

W'OODI'.IKV, CoXX. Cn.VKl.KS KikKLAXD. 

( )t'i()i;i;K 15. \()()n. — ( )n the east side of Main Street, o])ix)site St. 
Paul's b;piscoi)al Church, is situated the Lewis bhjck, one of the 
time-honored business centers of the town. 

As W^)odburv was one of the first four towns of the State in 
which the Probate Court was establishe<l. the ancient valuable 



WOODBURY^ CONN 1-;CT1CI T 



265 




266 Till-: TOWX AND PEOPLE 

recortls comprise many interesting- volumes. The Probate District 
of Woodbury, which includes several adjoining towns, holds its 
sessions in this Iniilding. 

The law offices of Hon. James Pluntington. Judge of Probate, 
and Hon. A. D. Warner are located in this block. 

The Woodbury Savings liank, a well-established institution occu- 
pies commodious rooms in the south part of the main Inndding. On 
the north side is W. H. Rowell, who is the proprietor of a large store, 
thoroughly stocked with all goods in the line of jewelry, silverware, 
bicycles and optical goods. 

W. L. Judson is the proprietor of the central store of the main 
building, conducting an extensive drug business. Physicians" pre- 
scriptions are carefully compounded by those qualified and licensed 
in this department. A new Twentieth Century Soda Fountain dis- 
penses all the desired fruit syrups in their season. The Post 
Office is also located in this building and W. L. Judson is postmaster. 
This occupies a separate room in the main building, and is fitted with 
all convenient arrangements for postal facilities. 

Dr. W. G. Reynolds, physician and surgeon, has been located in 
this block for several years. 

A new Probate building of ornamental design and fire proof in 
construction, has been built during the past year opposite the Lewis 
block and north of the Episcopal Church. 

October 17, 1898. — It was a bitter cold morning that we left 
Pomperaug Valley, the thermometer registering twenty-two or 
twenty-three degrees below zero, February 3, 1897, but we suffered 
no special inconvenience. We were a jolly party and thought of little 
else just then but to enjoy ourselves and make the most of circum- 
stances. On Saturday, February 5, we boarded the Steamer Kaiser 
Wilhelm H at the pier in Ploboken ; there were five of us, and about 
a dozen more to wave us good bye. Very soon the wharf disap- 
peared from view, and eagerly we went for our steamer letters and 
also to write letters to send back by the pilot. We found we could 
write more letters than is customary, since the pilot stayed with us 
until Sunday morning, the steamer having run aground on Romer 



WOUDliLKV, COXNKCTiCUT 267 

Shoals in a fog. Nothing especially happened after we were upon 
the broad Atlantic till the twelfth, when we were aroused at the 
break of day by the band playing "Yankee Doodle." Land was in 
sight ! We hastened on deck as quickly as possible and gradually 
the Azores came into view. 'Twas a kind of liliputian scene, the 
general appearance of the buildings was white, and red dots here 
and there added variety to the landscape. We noticed a red for- 
mation of clay used for making pottery, one of their industries, 
deep fissures in rocks, an occasional waterfall, goats feeding on the 
mountain sides, windmills turning, churches, cemeteries, and plough- 
ing with oxen ; all tliese passed before us. The fields looked like 
lovely green moss, and where the land was being cultivated, like 
little brown patches. The division fences were broom corn, but they 
resembled inverted fringes, waving back and forth. The Islands 
are of volcanic formation. The scene, as we enjoyed it at the time, 
was like a glimpse of fairy land; the clouds just hanging over the 
tops of the mountains and the ever-changing lights and shadows 
added a charm. One mountain peak, nearly eight thousand feet 
high, showed a snow-capped summit. Midday of February 15 
found us anchored in the Straits of Gibraltar. We were all soon 
ready and crowded closely to the side of the Steamer to get ashore 
and to watch the natives alongside with fruits and vegetables. We 
had three countries in sight at one time, Africa, Spain and her 
Majesty's Dominions. The harbor was alive with various crafts, 
bands were playing, flags were flying, all tended to welcome us to 
land, and the great rocks of Gibraltar loomed up in the distance. 

After passing flirough the gates we seemed to encounter people of 
all nationalities. Moors, Turks and Spaniards, and as many varieties 
of dress. Gibraltar is a strongly fortified town, and soldiers are met 
at every turn, some on duty, while the sentry boxes impressed us 
at the beginning. In the early morning we watched the soldiers 
drill. The rock is about three miles long and grey in color. At 
the western end lie the fortifications and the town. The rock 
is tunneled in a wonderful manner, wide enough for a carriage 
to drive through, and pierced with port-holes in such a manner that 
the bav and neutral sfround are constantly in siHit. In our drives 



268 TIIK TOWN AM) I'Koi'l.p; 

and walks we noticerl the }ello\v oxalis, sweet alyssum and other 
flowers growing- wild, tliat we cultivate with care. Early in the 
morning- of Februar}- 17 we took a boat for Tangier, reaching there 
before noon. The city presented a white mass of buildings on the 
exterior, and was very pleasing. After passing through a form of 
Custom House we walked on a narrow piei* to the city, and such a 
conglomeration of noises and motly array of inhabitants and cos- 
tumes ; though in most instance "twas a variety of rags. Then 
began our exj^eriences in the Moorish quarters of the world. Pass- 
ing under a white archway, no carriages in waiting or wheels of 
any kind to be seen, we grasped tlie wraps and made our way 
through the narrow streets, over rough cobbles, tlodging the 
donkeys, shaking our heads at the worst looking beggars with the 
dirtiest of hands, and as if to move one to pity, so many were l)lind. 
It seemed hardly possible to step from such streets into a good look- 
ing hotel, as we did. and to be treated like good respectable Ameri- 
can citizens. It was market day, and we sallied forth to contend 
again with the wild throng. The fierce aspect of the swarthy look- 
ing people, a turban on their heads, loose garments flying, bare feet 
thrust into sandals, brandishing a stick and belaboring a poor tired 
looking donkey laden with sticks, water bottles or vegetables, going 
along at a fierce rate of speed. We passed through a tall archway 
into the Market place, or "Soko." where six thousand people were as- 
sembled. I don't recall any appetizing looking goods or fine 
wares. We visited the Governor's house and Sultan's palace. 
He had not been there since 1888, as he owns forty. In the after- 
noon you would have seen us mounted on little four-footed bundles 
of bones, taking a trip through a country romantic and picturesque, 
over roads lined with century plants and prickly pear, through a 
quaint little village, across a desert of yellow sand to the l)each. 
and home to the hotel. We returned to Cadiz. Spain, visited Seville 
and wnere the carnival season was in progress, and its vast cathedral 
containing many fine pictures by Murillo, and also Cordova, whose 
chief object of interest is the Mosque, founded in 786 A. D. Here 
is a tiny chapel with a roof like a shell, formed from a single block 
of marble, ornamented with the finest mosaics in the world. 



WUOUIUkV, CON MX r KIT 269 

P'ebruarv 23 found us in Granada, ready the followin^t^ iTiornin*:^- to 
visit the Alhambra, the most beautiful building- in the world. It is 
l)ut a few minutes walk throu.gii the woods to the entrance, the 
"Gate of Justice," beneath which, Moorish Kings tlispensed jud<j- 
ment. As you pass the doorway you are translated from fact land 
to fairy land. You never think of the size, the ])r()])()rti()ns are so 
perfect. Court succeeds court, hall follows hall, with a bewildering^ 
loveliness of sculptures, and tliough endlessly varied, is perfectly 
harmonious. A petrified veil of most delicate lace covers the wall, 
formed partly of flowers and geometrical patterns, but in the main 
intention of its fret work strictly relig^ious and fitted with sentences 
trom the Koran. ( )ver and over occurs the motto. "There is no 
conqueror but God." \\'e returned to Gibraltar, stopping- at Rouda, 
and sailed across the ATediterranean to Naples. As we lay in the 
bav. old V^esuvius seemed close by and showed continual life. We 
were in Geneva March 7 and from there to San Remo. . ( )ur jour- 
ney took us along- the Riveara, beautiful with mountain terraces. 
olive orchards, vineyards. oran_ge trees and flowers. After a de- 
lightful rest we took a trip to Monte Carlo, and on March 11 en- 
joyed one ot the most wonderful drives in the world, over the old 
Cornish roads, constructed by Xa]X)leon, to Xice. Returning- to 
Genoa we visited i)alaces, catTiedrals, saw fine views, reaching- Pisa 
on the fifteenth. We visited here a wonderful square containing- 
four famous building-s. Leaning Tower, Cathedral, r>aptistery 
and the Campo Santo. These are of marble and rich in collections 
of carvings, ornamentations and Mosaics. The bronze lamp sus- 
pended from the ceiling of the Cathedral gave Galileo the idea of 
the i)endulum. The Tower, fourteen feet out of the perpendicular, 
contanis seven befts. March 17 found us in Ron-ie. where we saw 
the Palatine and Pincian Hills, Forum and Colosseum, and Cap- 
pucain Church. From here our party visited Pompeii and Sorrento, 
thence to Xaples, a city of much interest. The National Museum, 
containing the finest collection of art in the world, the Aquarium, 
fTie Royal Palace and Churches, returning to Rome on April 2. 
There is much rises in my mind as T try to describe Rome. 
The vastness and grandeur of St. Peter's, the A'atican. the 



2/0 THli TOWN AND I'KOPIvE 

most extensive palace of tlie world, containing- the Sistine 
Chapel, whose ceilings were decorated by Michael Angelo in 1508. 
We saw innumerable Obelisks, visited many churches and art gal- 
leries ; also the Catacombs of St. Calixtus. Byron says : ''It is worth 
a journey to Rome to see Guido Reni's masterpiece, the Aurora," 
a fresco, on the ceiling- of the Rospig'hosi Palace. From here we 
journeyed to Florence, "the art center of Italy," visited celebrated 
galleries of art, the Church of San Lorenzo, containing the bronze 
pulpits of Savanarola, the Baptistery, of whose fine bronze door, 
Michael Angelo said, "They were fit gates for Paradise," and the 
homes of Galileo, Dante and JMrs. Browning. On .Vpril 16 we left 
for Venice, enjoying gondola rides, visited the Cathedral of St. 
Mark's, Campanile and Doges Palace, then went onward to Milan 
and its Cathedral, with its forest of turrets and pinnacles. C)n 
April 25 we had a delightful sail on Lake Como, thence to Lugano 
and (iver the St. Gothard railway to Lucerne amid Alpine scenery, 
and ascended one of the Alps. May 2 we were in Geneva, thence to 
Paris, where there was much to visit, the Churches, the Palaces and 
Garden of Louvre, and from there to London with its man\- objects 
of interest. We spent a delightful day at Stratford-on-Avon, and a 
few days later took steamer for home. 

Woodbury, Conn. Fr.\ncks J. Curtiss. 

Octokkk 18, 1900. — There may be more beautiful places than 
Woodbury as it appears in the Summer and Autumn time, but T 
am sure it is not so very easy to find them. In the Summer time 
when the foliage is green and well washed, it is a delight and a rest 
to look ui)on the great trees by the wayside and the green carpet 
of well-mown grass that makes our village in these (la\s so much 
more pleasant to look upon and live in, than it was in the former 
time. The Autumn time, however, is the time of beauty, when the 
trees aufl hills show that even in dying, nature loves to be of good 
cheer. Nowhere else can this be seen more clearly than from 
Orenaug Park, on a beautiful sunny afternoon when the dress that 
nature wears, shows in all its brilliant coloring and fine diversity. 
Stand with me for a little while on Singing Rock. We are far 



W GOD V, L' R V, CON N JvCTi C I ' T 2/ 1 

enoui^li al)ove the scene before us to realize its l)eautiful shades of 
coloriiiii'. while enough of the work of men's hands is before us, 
to give human history and effort their place with the wonderful 
works of God. Away to the sotith you can see signs of the restless 
iron horse, but it is only a relief to make your natural picture more 
restful. Xear at hand, you see the very prominent mark of the 
time when Woodbury was a center of Masonic interest, in the build- 
ing that we may trust will stand for long years to come. (Jld his- 
toric places, almost take our interest from the beautiful picture that 
lies before us, in the trees at our feet decked in splendor. 

This Autumn, in which time f write, the frosts have waited to see 
if the sun and wind of Autumn days could do as well in coloring 
leaves as King Frost himself can do this. T am sure if we are the 
judges, we will wait long before we utter our word in reference 
to the great artists and their work. Out beyond are the hills, where 
the first comers to this valley paused and took counsel of each other, 
and prayed for the blessing of God on them in their councils and 
their work. Here, as we look, we see the beautiful side hill that 
now ]:)resents no fears to us but beauty and ])romise. Between 
the farther hill and ourselves is the winding river, flashing in the 
sunlight and making with the sheet of water at our feet, the artist's 
most desired opportunity to show his delight in the things of God 
that are for him to picture to others. Xorth of where we stand and 
extending for a mile and a half, there are the same beautiful marks 
of nature's handiwork. Churches and dwelling houses and stores, 
raising their heads above the trees and looking to us as though 
they would say : Do you know of any other churches or dwelling 
houses or stores that have stich garlands of splendor and beauty as 
we have? It is all one, the beauty of God's work and man's work, 
which to have seen is a joy and to remember, a recollection that is 
one of the things that impress us with the beauty of God — IVood- 
biiry from the Park on an Aufunni Day. 

Joseph A. Frekafan-, 

Woodbury, Conn. Pastor first Cono;rL\'^atlonaI ChnrcJi. 



272 Till; TOWX AND i'Koi'LE 

(JCT015ER 19, 1900. — You ask me to write for the Woodlniry 
vSouvenir. the request coming as it does from one of my former pupils 
and family, and incidentally on the anniversary of my seventieth 
hirthday, causes me to seek my rusty pen to reply. 

Naturally, coming- from the source referred to, it calls to my 
memory that portion of my life spent in a vocation around which my 
fondest recollections linger. 

In those days it was expected that the teacher would temporarily 
sliare the homes of their pupils, or in other words, hoard around the 
district. We were tlierel)y, with few exceptions, introduced to the 
pleasant, hospitahle homes of our patrons, which we were loth so 
soon to leave for uncertainties, hut which, in order to keep u^) the 
custom of our forefathers, were ol:)liged to do. This method of oh- 
taining one's daily bread, although attended with many incon- 
veniences on the part of those concerned, afforded an opportunity 
of becoming ac(|uainted with our patrons and forming many ties of 
friendship which have never lieen broken. Also it o])ened up to us 
a knowledge of the dissimilar family methods of those days in our 
own quiet town. 

l*ardon me, if 1 refer to one which afforded me some inconvenience 
and mucli amusement. That was the difference of the hour for the 
morning meal. At any time from four until nearly nine o'clock it 
a])i)eared. At one time 1 was called to the home of one of those 
rushing l:)usiness men ( many of whom our town could boast ) ,and was 
awakened at four o'clock by the stentorian voice of the host announc- 
ing, "breakfast is ready." I sprang from by l)ed, made a hasty 
toilet, and sped to the dining room to find the family waiting for the 
teacher. Determined not to be thus disgraced again, 1 started on 
the following morning at the first sound of footsteps, and soon re- 
paired to the breakfast room, where I found lioth husband and wife 
each l)usy with a frying ])an, the contents of which were speedily 
transferred to the talile. of which the family were ready to partake. 

Then llie scene was changed, where the ]uisl)and sought the fields 
at an early hour, first compelled to take a cold bite from the pantry 
while the wife still slumbered on. Waiting, and still waiting, I 
became uneasy for fear the teacher would l)e tardy. \\'lien j^ast 



WOODBURY, COXXIvCTlCLT 273 

eight o'clock, the hostess appeared, and offering many apologies she 
asked the question. "Why didn't you call me? We sure you call me 
to-morrow morning at six o'clock. The other teacher used to call 
me." "I can do so if you really wish it." ""To he sure 1 do." Then 
the fire was kindled, and soon a hit of ham and an egg came lo the 
tahle on a plate for one. which was quickly swallowed, leaving ten 
minutes for a half mile walk, which was rapidly accomplished in 
order to strike the nine o'clock hell. At ten o'clock, the poor ahused 
children of the family came quietly into school, no longer the ob- 
jects of blame from their teacher. Init those of sincere pity that they 
were the children of one whose habits, and the consequences that 
follow them, are so well portrayed in Proverbs 24. 30, 34. It is use- 
less to say that the lady's request, though complied with on the fol- 
lowing mornings, availed but little. 

l>ut 1 must not prolong the theme, many were the pleasant, well 
ordered homes to which I was cheeril} welcomed and toward which 
mv gratitude still extends. And now dear old Woodbury, home of 
my childhood, as well as of my maturer years, no better can I express 
my feelings toward you than by quoting a portion of our favorite 
national hymn : 

I love thy rocks and rills. 
Thy woods and templed hills. 

And now to those remaining of the flock for whom I labored and 
over whom I watched with almost motherly care and anxiety, I send 
to you the happiest greetings, and from my Danbury home, T can 
but implore the choicest of Heaven's blessings to rest upon you. and 
also upon all of the inhal)itants of your good old town and their sur- 
roundings. 

Danbury, Cqnn. Hknkiktta Rurton Nichols. 

OcTop.KR 20, u)oo.^ — As I lived near Central Park when I first 
came here, I will send you a description of that place of interest. 

Central Park is one of the finest in the world. It extends from 
59th Street to iioth Street, is two and one-half miles long, one- 
half mile wide, and covers an area of eight hundred and sixty-two 
acres. 



2/4 THE TOWX AND PEOPLE 

At the Eighth Avenue entrance is a lofty cohinin surmounted by 
a statue of Cohunbus, presented by the Itahan residents of the city 
in i8y2. in the southwest part of the Park is the play ground for 
children, a lawn of sixteen acres. 

The Menagerie is in the southeastern part and is clustered around 
the old arsenal building. Animals of all kinds are to be seen. The 
Mall is a broad promenade bordered by double rows of elm trees and 
famous for its collection of statues, prominent among which are 
Shakespeare by J. Q. A. Ward, erected on the three hundredth an- 
niversary of the poet's birth ; Robert Burns, Scott the "Indian 
Hunter" by Ward, Fitz Green Hallock, and a Beethoven bust. 

The Terrace is a pile of richly carved masonry. The Lake is 
next and the famous Bethesda Fountain, designed by Emma Stebbins 
and made in Munich. Beyond the Lake is the Ramble of thirty-six 
acres, while further along is the Belvedere, a tower of stone, 
from the top of which a fine view of the Park can be seen. 

On the left is the American Museum of Natural History. Here 
are to be seen the quadrupeds of America and the ( )ld World ; also a 
fine collection of birds. 

( )n the east drive is the statue of Alexander Hamilton and the 
Obelisk, which was presented to the city in 1877 by the Khedive of 
Egypt. Opposite the ( )belisk is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 
containing the finest collection of pictures in America. 

New York City. Chareotte Minor Wilcus. 

October 21. 1900. — Sixty and sixty-five years ago the spinsters in 
this community were among its most useful citizens. There was 
"Aunt Avis," who had rooms in the ell of Mr. Anthony Strong's 
house, now occupied by his son. A few are now living who can re- 
member her tall, angular, somewhat bowed form, her stern resolute 
features, seemingly never lighted, even by a wintry smile. She 
always dressed in calico and wore a blue figured shawl. T think 
she was never seen on the street witliout a large two-leaved willow 
basket ; it was her trunk when she went on her four weeks" trip. 
It went with her to the store to take home her small purchases, and 
when she occasionally desired to spend an evening with a neighbor. 



\M)01)i:i"R\', COXXl'X'TICL'T 275 

it carried her knitting work. 1 do not know that she ever asked for 
it, but I think she expected something would be given her to add to 
the comfort of her home, and I presume she was rarely disappointed. 

She was an adept at making raised cake, which was considered a 
necessary part of every wedding feast, and although she was 
particular and exact to the last degree, almost to inspecting the 
hoops on the flour barrel and the hens that furnished the eggs, yet 
as her success was assured, these things were condoned. 

But her chief forte was the sick room. With the mother and 
young infant she must have been considered invalual)le, f(jr her 
services were often in demand. There her virtues shone triumphant, 
gentleness and patience ;but when in the family she was too much ab- 
sorbed in her anxious cares, to 1)estow upon the other children of 
the household, the attention and sympathy which they so greatly 
missed. If there was a young inexperienced girl in the kitchen who 
needed advice and assistance, and if some information was asked of 
Aunt Avis, the reply was: 'T came here to do nursing not to learn 
you what you ought to have known before you were half as l)ig as 
you are now." If the girl was sensitive she had a crying spell. l)ut 
if spunky, and that was a good trait for her to have, she would go 
on and do the best she could, and if she failed, took delight in telling 
the family, not in Aunt Avis's presence, her courage was hardly 
equal to that, but when she knew. she was within hearing distance, 
that "she asked her advice and she was too busy to tell her." 
vShe (lid not disdain to go into the kitchen and cook her favorite 
dishes, and many a dish of cookies and toothsome doughnuts she 
made, took them straightway from the kitchen and pantry into some 
unfrequented guest chamber, and when they were wanted for the 
table, with thoughtful economy, heads were carefully counted and 
not an extra one put on the plate. 

It was no unusual thing after she had left a home, to find on a 
closet shelf, under a bureau, and in one instance, on the top of a 
canopy covered bed, remnants of such dishes long after they had lost 
their pristine freshness. Her wages were never more than a dollar 
a week, often less than that, but she saved enough to build her a 
home on Main Street. To add to her small income, she rented the 



2.'J(^ THK TOWN AND PKOi'LE 

north part of her house, and it made her a conifortal)Ie home during 
the remainder of her days. Her active Hfe must have served as a 
tonic, for she hved to a good old age and passed away missed by 
all. 

Then there was "Aunt Renie," the dearest, sweetest, most love- 
able universal aunt who ever blessed a neighborhood. She lived 
where John Martin now resides, near the Town Hall. 1 am not 
sure, but 1 think she was a relative of that family. I rememlier her 
cushionv figure, her pink cheeks, almost as fresh as a young girl's, 
and her gray curls, partially covered on State occasions with a lace 
cap with pink- and gray-striped gauze ribbon. I do not remember 
that she ever assumed the duties of the sick room, but when there 
was sickness in a family, there she went, assisting in the kitchen, 
caring for the children, to whom she was a fairy god-mother, or 
doing the family mending, and many a weary, nervous mother gave 
a sigh of relief when she knew Aunt Renie had come for the day. 
The children were never too fractious or noisy to disturb her. She 
had a bandage for every cut or scratched finger, a kiss for every 
l)ump, and her gentle "there, there, 1 wouldn't,"' was suflficient to 
(piell every childish squabble. In one such home, surrounded as 
usual by a bevy of children. Aunt Avis came out from the sick 
room, there may have been a crying baljy, or a feeble mother for 
whom she was anxious, as she passed through, she said: "I wouldn't 
make such a fool of myself fussin' over those young 'uns." Xot 
an\- dared to peep until she was in her own domain with closed door, 
then one little tot Ijurst out, "Aunt Renie are I young uns?" "No, 
no, vou are a dear little l)irdie, and 1 am the mother bird and will 
feed you," and out from her ]>ocket came a pepi)ermint drop which 
she i)laced between her lijxs and the little one took it from them into 
her own. From a sanitary point of view, the expediency of this 
might be questioned, but the object sought was attained, and smiles 
chased aw^ay the tears. We used to visit her in her hoiue. 1 re- 
mem])er going there one Saturday afternoon with two or three com- 
panions. She said she had something to show us and took us into 
her parlor. T cannot recall the appearance of the room, do not re- 
memlier a single article in it, but a high bureau on which was piled 



\\■CM)l)i;L■K^•. CUNNKCTK'L T 2// 

a few l)()()ks,and sitting- among- them a large handsomely dressed doll. 
To whom it belonged or how it came there I do not know. We did 
not tonch it, but looked and expressed our admiration. .\s we 
turned to go away, she opened one of the books and said: "Now 
we are going, and you can read a little if you are lonesome." It was 
so realistic, we questioned after we left the house if that doll could 
read. She was also our Sunday School teacher, when the sessions 
were held in the gallery of the Church. She held the youngest child 
on her lap. the rest of us standing around her. \A'e had no text 
books and 1 do not remember as she used a llilile, but tau'^bt us from 
her lips the commandments, or portions of them. "Suffer little chil- 
dren,"* "We ve kind to one another," etc. She liad never beard of 
the "Revised \ ersion," perhaps she had a dim foreshadowing of it, 
for the verse, "We love Him because he first loved us," she ren- 
dered "We must love God "cause lie loves us.'" bear AtnU Kenie! 
She has l^een in Heaven many years, and 1 doubt not the children 
who loved her here, some of whom preceded her there, whose tiny 
forms she dressed for their last resting place with many a loving 
caress an.d "dear little lamb," w-ere the first to greet her and perhaps 
felt more at home for her coming. Truly her memory is blessed. 

Aunt Rhoda lived where Mr. Frink now does. We knew less of 
her, for she was a home body. There was a running brook north of 
her house, beside which grew spearmint and flagroot, the mint she 
allowed us to gather, but the fiagroot was forbidden. IJecause it was 
forbidden it was much desired, Init we had no means of getting it, 
so we contented ourselves with l)reaking the green stalk. ( )ne of 
our companions once had a broken-bladed knife her brother had dis- 
carded. With the aid of that and much tugging and pulling, she 
succeeded in getting a piece about two inches long, which she 
washed in the brook and generously gave us each a l)ite. vSome 
one has said "Every pleasure has its sting." That had two. The 
pungent taste was not agreeable to our childish palate, and lest we 
should l)etrav ourselves we did not dare go into her home for the 
usual drink of water, often accom])anie(l with an apple, and some- 
times, if not too many of us, a cookie, liehind the house was a 
luxuriant crop of burdock. We tised to gather the bm's and make 



278 



THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 




AvouDiauv, coAXiCCTiciT 279 

baskets and various geometrical ( ?) figures. ( )ne miss, a little older 
and more expert, could make cups and saucers. When I see the 
children's libraries to-day, their playrooms stocked with toys and 
games of every description, I wonder what they would think of their 
grandmother's simple amusements ; but they were halcyon days and 
have left the i)leasantest memories. 

Aunt Renie W'a}' lived up the street, in a little brown cottage near 
the sidewalk on the comer of Mrs. Morehouse's lot. Her sphere was 
also in the home, where she reared an orphan niece and a fatherless 
nephew. She had a mild, gentle dis])osition and a softly modu- 
lated voice. When she called John, it gave one the impression it was 
spelled C-h-o-n. She was a worthy woman and highly respected. 
There were others, for W'"oodlnn\v iias never been without its quota 
of the sisterhood, and they lived in this neighborhood and were asso- 
ciated with my childish recollections, before I was ten years old. 
1 may have made some mistakes, but 1 think the delineation of char- 
acter is true to the life. In these days of trained nurses and ex- 
pensive domestic service we are better served than our mothers 
were, l)Ut we have lost the kindly neighborliness, which often knit 
heart to heart with a love and affection that money cannot Ijuy. >'et 
who of us will say "the former days were better than these." 

WooDllLRV. CONX. FkAXCHS A. Ml NOR. 

OcToi'.KK 22, 1789. — Sanuiel Huntinoton, Hs(|uire, Captain-Gen- 
eral and Commander-in-Chief in and over the State of Connecticut, 
in America. 

To Aiifhoiiy Stroll!^: 

Gkxt. Greetixg : — You, being by the General Assembly of this 
State accepted to be Captain of the Fir.st Company of ^Militia in the 
Thirteenth Regiment in this State, reposing s])ecial trust and con- 
fidence in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, 1 do. by virtir^ 
of the laws of this State me thereunto enabling. ai:)point and em- 
power you to take the said Company into your care and charge 
as their Captain, carefully and diligently to discharge that office 
and trust, exercising \-our inferior ollicers and soldiers in the use 



28o Tiih; 'I'owx AM) r'Koi'i.K 

of tlieir arms, according' to the rules and discipline of war ordained 
and established hy the laws of this State, keeping them in good 
order and go\'ernnient, and commanding them to obey you as their 
L"a])tain, and \-ou are to observe all such orders and directions as, 
from time to time, \-ou shall receive either from me or from your 
other su])erior ollicers. pursuant to the trust reposed in you. 

('.i\en under my hand and the iml)lic seal of this v^tate. at Xew 
I !a\en, the 22(1 da\- of ( )ctober, A. D. ijSg. 

vSa.mlkl Huntin'GTok. 

Ily His Excellency's Command. 

( nioRCi', W'yijjs. Secretary. 

//'(.'/• Pcpartiui'iil Rerdliitidiuii'x Claim: 

1 certif\' that in conformit\- with the law of the United States of 
the 1 8th March, i8i8, Anthony Strong- of Litchfield County, Con- 
necticut, late private in the .\rmy of the Revolution, is inscribed on 
the Pension List Loll of the Connecticut agency at the rate of eight 
dollars per month, to commence on the fifteenth day of Xovember, 
one thousand eight hundred and nineteen. 

(riven at the War ( )Hice of the Lnited States, 2()th da\- of N'ovem- 
b( r. 1819. 

C. \' A\i)i{\i.\TKK. .ictiiiij; Secretary of War. 

I Co])ied from the original ]Ktpers. | 

"Let it be remembered finallw that it has ever been the boast and 
])ri(le of America, that the rights for which the\' contended were the 
rights of human nature. !')>• the blessing of the author of these 
rights, on the means exerted for their defense the\' have prevailed 
against all op])osition, and form the basis of thirteen in(le])endent 
states. .\o instance has heretofore occurred, nor can an\- instance be 
ex])ected to occur hereafter, in whi<.h the unadulterated form of 
Re])ublican government can jjretend to so fair an opportunty of justi- 
f\ing themseh'es b\- their fruits. In this view, the citizens of the 
Lnited States are res])onsible for the greatest trust ever confided 
|o ;i political societw Tf iustice. good faith, honor, gratitude and 
all other (|nalitics which (.-nnoble the character of a natiou be the 



WOODIllkN-. i()\ VlX'TlCl'T 28r 

fruits of our cstaljlishuicnts. the cause of liberty will ac(|uire a 
dii^nitv and luster which it has never yet enjoyed, and an example 
will be set, which cannot l)ut have the most favorable influence on the 
rimbts of mankind. — .Iddrcss to flic States from Coloiiiiil f\tpcrs. 

1 trust, therefore, that the citizens of the L'nited States will show- 
to the world, that they have as nmch wisdom in preserving peace at 
this interesting' juncture, as they have heretofore displayed valor in 
defending their just rights. — from .Uhircss of (icorgc il'ashiiii^ton 
to the Hoard of Trade lit fhiladclpiiiu. May jo. I/93. 

This day. May i, i/y/, is published opposite the Market House, 
The Young Ladies' and Gentlemen's Spelling Uook, containing a 
criterion of rightly spelling and pronouncing the English language, 
interspersed with many easy lessons in reading, entertaining fables 
and collections of moral sentences, intended for the use of common 
schools . 

AJarch 23. 1707. — The subscriber informs the public respectfully 
that he has o])ened an Inoculation at the pleasantly situated hospital 
in (ilastonburw Gentlemen and ladies who wish to have the small- 
pox bv this safe and easy method, may be boarded and have faithful 
attendance paid them by their obedient servant. 

Xews from Paris in 44 days, by Belfast, of P)ona])arte's victory \\\ 
[taly. 

The Posthumous Works of Rev. Joseph Huntington, on Univer- 
sal Salvation, to be sold by Xathaniel I'atten, who, in order to please 
his customers, has a subscription open for Eternal Danmation and 
other l)ooks. 

Accident — A gentleman and wife were buried under the ruins of 
the house. Too great a quantity of corn stored on the ui)per room 
floor. 

Mrs. Hart left at the North Meeting House, some time in the latter 
part of last winter, a large new tin stove, with a tin ])an and cherry 
frame, which it is su])posed was taken away by some boy not know- 



282 TiiK Town and rKoiM.K 

ing- where it belonoed. Whoever may have it in his possession is 
requested to give information. 

lune 29, 1798. — Run away from the sul)scriber on the night after 
the 17th inst., a negro man named Prince, in the twentieth year of 
liis age, al)Out 5 feet 9 inches in iieight, well proportioned, very 
active and sprightly and nuich addicted to mimicing. Has naturally 
short, thin hair and two small l)ald spots on his head, with punctures 
in his ears for the purpose of wearing rings. Said boy had on when 
he went away, a striped nankeen coat with black velvet cape, white 
or butf colored vest, brown cassimere overalls, half l)oots and a white 
nai)t hat, and carried with him one short blue broadcloth coat, faced 
with buff colored cassimere, two pair tan cloth trousers and one pair 
shoes, together with sundry other articles of clothing. Whoever 
will take up and secure and return said negro to the subscriber or 
give information where he may be obtained, shall have a reasonable 
j-eward. — Prom Colonial Papers 0:^'r,ed by P. Treat Strong. 

i)croim< 23, 1899. — The war with the Tecpiots made the Knglish 
become better acquainted with the coast west of the mouth of the 
Connecticut River, especially the beautiful plain between the Wal- 
lingford and West Rivers. Shortly afterwards a Puritan Colony 
from England, under the leadership of 'JMieophilus I{aton and John 
Davenport, arrived at Bostou. where they were urged to stay. 
Hearing of the beauty of the country on the Sound. Eaton and a few 
of his friends went down to explore and decided on a ])lace that had a 
good harbor, called by the Indians "Ouinnipiac." ( )n the 30th of 
March, 1638, the whole company set sail for this location, arriving 
at their destination in a fortnight. 

( )u the morning of the first Sabljath after reaching New Haven, 
the Colonists assembled for worshi]:) under a spreading oak tree. 
This oak, according to tradition, stood in the dooryard of the 
dwelling in which Rev. Lyman P.eecher was born. The people are 
arranged in order. Near the tree are Theophilus and Samuel 
Eaton, Edward Hoi)kins, Thomas Gregson, Matthew Gilbert, Rev. 
Mr. I'rudden, Rev. John l)aveni)()rt and other gentlemen, : 



and 



WOODBLRV, CONNliCTlCUT 283 

opposite them tlieir wives and children. At a little distance the 
humbler classes in separate groups. Rev. John Davenport dis- 
courses to them from Matthew 3:1, warning- them of the temptations 
in the wilderness. Rev. Mr. Pruddcn follows him with a text from 
the same chapter. "The voice of one crying in the wilderness. 'Pre- 
pare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.' " For the 
first vear, there was no government except the simple covenant that 
all would be obedient to the rules of Scripture. 

In the following November. Eaton. Davenport and a few others 
made a contract with an Indian chief, Momauguin. in reference to 
a sale of lands. This document was in the form of a deed of sale 
of Ouinnipiac. and a league or solemn treaty was interpreted by 
Thomas Stanton. On the eleventh of Decemlier, another tract of 
land lying northerly of the first purchase was bought. This valu- 
able land, ten miles wide from north to south and thirteen nfiles 
long from east to west, has since been divided into the towns of 
New Haven, Branford, Wallingford. East Haven, Woodbridge. 
Bethany, Meriden, Cheshire and North Haven, and the considera- 
tion of the deed was thirteen English coats, with the reservation 
to hunt and plant upon the granted premises. In the class, charac- 
ter and wealth of its immigrants. New Haven was peculiarly fortu- 
nate. ( )n the fourth of June. 1639. the free planters met to form a 
civil and religious organization. 

"They in Newman's barn laid down. 
Scriptnre fonndations for tlie town." 

Within a few feet of this historic spot Noah Webster lived and 
died. Rev. John Davenport brought their minds to a suitable 
frame for the grave matter pending, by preaching to them from the 
words of Solomon, "Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath 
hewn out her seven pillars." Under a constitution founded on this. 
New Haven was organized and fiourished many years. The gov- 
ernment was called the "House of Wisdom," of which Eaton, 
Davenport and five others were the seven ])illars. None but 
church members were admitted to the rights of citizenship. 

The first meeting house was begun the year after the founding 



284 THE TOWX AND PEOPLE 

of tilt' town. It was situated upon the lower Green, was fifty feet 
square, built of wood and stood thirty years. The congreg-ation 
were called tOi,^ether by the beat of the drum, a military o-uard was 
stationed in the house, a sentinel in the tower and thirty pieces of 
artillerx were around the church. 

"Our grandsire.s Ijorc their gun.s to meeting, 
Each man equipped on Sunday mdiii 
Willi ])salm liook, shot and powder horn." 

New Haven was settled by merchants, whose leading idea was 
commerce not agriculture. Milford. with forty-four free planters, 
and Guilford, with forty, were settled in 1^)39, in November and 
.\ugust resi^ectively, under governments modeled on that of New 
Haven. Each had its chtirch, gathered its se\'en jjillars, who 
also acted as a legislature and court, and lield the town lands in 
trust for the town. The sei)arate life of .New Haven may there- 
fore stand as a fair representative ot the other towns. The lands 
of the towns seem to have been distributed by agreement or lot. 
The minister was given the first choice, the leading military man 
and deacons came next, probably that they might choose places con- 
venient for the fulfillment of their duties. The area which was to 
be the real town was divided into home lots, and the outlying lands 
into corresponding pl(^ts of arable and meadow lands. The lots 
difl^ered in size, corres]:)onding to the gradations of contributions 
to the Common stock. 

In the distribtttion i^f 1640, each settler received five acres of up- 
land and meadow for each hundred ])ounds of his estate, and for 
each head in his family, two and a half acres of ui)land and half 
an acre of meadow. As soon as the estal)lishment of houses and 
streets had given the jjlace a cor]:)orate api^earance, the name was 
changed to New Haven, September i, 1640. — .S7(*m' of .Vrec Haven 
Colony. 

Woman's Gm i;, Woodiurv, Goxx. Lottie E. Hitchcock. 

( )( •I'oKivK 24. Kjoo. — These recollections are of unusual interest 
because the\- have been contributed by a venerable lady of ninety- 
five vears. Her earlv home was in that part of the town known 



WOODIUKV^ CU.X-NKCTICL T 285 

as Cat Swani]), tlie site of the house bemi;- just south of the resi- 
dence of Mrs. Asahel CiiI)S()n, between that (Iwelling- and the 
one now stan(hn,>;- south. She reached the advanced a^e of ninetv- 
five years on the eighteenth of July of this year, retains full 
possession of her mental faculties and was able to attend church 
on the hrst of ( )ctoI)er. She recei\'es many calls on account of her 
great age and the brightness of her intellect, and is one of the 
two or three real Daughters of the Revolution in the State, Miss 
Augusta Thompson of Woodbury l^eing another. These reminis- 
cences are given as they were related by her to Mrs. W. 11. Lake, 
with whom she resides. .Mrs. .\ugusta Tullar sa\s she can re- 
member when there were but four houses on \\"oo(lbur\ Street be- 
tween the river and the Xorth Church, and thtise were one story 
small brown houses, having never been painted. She remembers 
when two ])ersons rode on one horse to the church which stood near 
where the Soldiers' Monument now stands. She rememliers when 
the Xorth Church was Iniilt. At that time there seemed to be two 
factors, one of which wanted the church to be erected near the Old 
Cemeter\- and timbers were drawn there for that ])urpose. but the 
peo])le who wanted it where it now stands, seemed to be the 
strongest, and so the timbers were removed from where the\- were 
first taken, to the site upon which the church now stands. She 
recollects when the Methodist Church, the first one. was built, 
and the people held meetings iu the kitchen of what is now the 
Methodi.st ]^arsonage previous to the building of the church. She 
rememl)ers the first cook stove that was l)rought into Woodburv, 
it was owned by Daniel Bacon who lived where Ma])leton now 
stands. The first stove that was used in the .\orth Church was a 
.small box stove, and wood was used for fuel. judson Minor was 
nnich o])])osed to ])utting a stove in the church for fear the building 
would get on fire. Mrs. I'ullar remembers the onl\- factorv in 
what is now called Hotchkissville. It was a small one stor\ build- 
ing, located near where the woolen factory now stands, owned and 
used by Mr. Hotchkiss in the manufacture of woolen cloth. He 
also had a small factory near by. where the manufactured cloth was 
finished. The onl\- two houses in the A'ille at that time was a 



286 THE TOWX AND PEOPLE 

small one story house, plastered on the outside, where the pro- 
prietor of the woolen mill lived, and the other one was a house 
just back of Carpenter's carriage factory, once owned l)y Mr. 
Cramer. It has l^een remodeled and still stands. At Pomperaug 
there was a grist mill, where the residents of Woodbury and vicinity 
all carried their grain of all kinds to be ground into Hour, f(M- at 
that time there was little wheat flour to be obtained. This grist 
mill was owned by the Town of W'oodluiry. There was one house 
in Pomperaug', across the river, and nothing but a small foot bridge 
below the mill, that led to this house. 

After a time, there was a machine put into the ui)per part of the 
grist mill where the people carried their wool to lie carded into 
rolls for spinning". Previous to this, the carding- was all done by 
hand. She says she has taken wool to this mill many times on 
horseback to be carded, putting- the wool on the back of the horse 
behind herself, as carriag-es and wag-ons at this time were almost 
unknown. All the cloth that was made into garments in those 
davs, or nearly all, was woolen or linen and made by hand, cotton 
g-arments not hardly being- known. The first pair of cotton sheets 
her mother bought, cost i8>< cents a yard, and were not nearly- as 
good as those one can buy for four or five cents a yard to-day. 
There was a small shop in West vSide which Ju<lst)n Minor used 
for dyeing- cloth. A schoolhouse stood near where the stairs are 
that lead to the Masonic Hall, v^he rememl)ers when the Cat 
Swamp schoolhouse was built, in 1810. This was when she went 
to school, she, being five years old at that time. ( )n the west side of 
the street, between the IMethodist parsonage and the South Clmrch. 
there were but four houses, owned by Dea. {{lijah Sherman, 
Timothv Terrell, Nathaniel Bacon, and one on the hill that she does 
not recollect who was the owner. ( )n the east side, there were no 
houses between the Bacon house and Matthew Minor's. Xext to 
this house was the Post ( )nice, which served also as a drug store, 
kept at the time by James S. Huntington. The n-iail was carried 
for manv vears bv a man nai-ned Bacon, in saddlebags across the 
horse's back, on which the mail carrier rode also. He was grand- 
father of Timothv Bacon, now living in \\■ood])ur^•. and was called 



WOODBURY, COXNKCTICLT 287 

"Post Bacon." There was a store near where Mapleton now 
stands, kept by Daniel Bacon, who cleak in dry goods and groceries. 
and another store in what is now called Hitchcock's block, kept 
at that time by a Mr. Lampson, who used to exchange produce, 
also beef and pork with the farmers, for dry goods and groceries, 
taking the beef, etc., to New Haven to market and as horses were 
not nuich used for conveying, this was done with ox teams. 
At aliout this time there was quite a stir in Woodbury on the question 
of Temperance. Previous to this, it w^as not thought proper to raise 
any new building without the use of intoxicants of some kind, and 
so it was quite an event when the first house was raised without 
using something of this kind. She remembers it well. It was a 
house built by Joel Atwood and stands a short distance below where 
Charles Curtiss now lives. 

Bkiur-KPORT, Conn. Mrs. Augusta Tui.i.ar. 

(JuToi'.i'K 25. 1880. — \\'ell. do I remember the merchants doing 
business in this and adjoining towns seventy-five years ago. being at 
that time at the age of eleven. At about the age of fourteen I 
entered the store of General Chauncey Craft's, at the north end of 
the village in my native town of Woodbury. 1 continued to act 
as clerk for the merchants in this and adjoining towns for a long 
series of vears, until at the age of twenty-six T commenced lousiness 
on my own account, in a store now occupied by F. A. Walker, as a 
druggist, and in this and in other stands in town. I followed the 
business of merchant for the period of nearly half a century. I 
feel, therefore, in some degree competent to write of the old-time 
merchants, their manner of doing business and of the embarrass- 
ments and difficulties they had to encounter. Never having kept 
anv record of passing events. I shall write only from m mory. but 
shall hope in the main to be correct in my statements. From the 
year 1805-1820 the merchants of this town were largely engaged 
in the purchase, partly by barter and slaughter, of cattle and hogs for 
the New York market. Bacon & Sons, Lamson & Sons, Tomlinson 
& Sons, being the most prominent. This trade wdth New York in 
slaughtered animals, packed in salt, might be called immense, and 



jSS th I-; T(i\\ x AMI n-.ori.K 

every year as the season arrived, a larj^e number uf men were em- 
ployed in the work, and as the packin<^- was completed, tlonble and 
quadruple rows of barrels of beef and pork accumulated and 
stretched alons^- the hii;hway in front of stores, waitiui;' for the 
farmers to get throug'h their Fall work, that they mis^ht transport 
the same to water communication, which was then at Derby, for 
New York. In those days the roads were not worked as now, 
lieins^- in their primitive condition of roughness, growing every year 
worse and worse. Large rocks, deep gullies and swam])y rivers lay 
directlv in the track, it was counted (juite a hazardous undertaking 
and recjuired an experienced teamster to drive his team over that 
road and not upset his cart load of barrels. More particularly was 
his skill and caution brought into requisition on his return trip, with 
his more iirecious merchandise of rum, molasses and sugar. Jaljez 
llacon, the grandfather of the Rev. William T. iiacon of the Derby 
Transcript, was acknowledged by most people, to be the most enter- 
prising of an\- at that time engaged in mercantile pursuits. He did 
a large business, extending his ojK'rations into surrounding towns, 
exchanging his merchandise for large (piantities of jjroduce which 
be sent to the seaboard. Manv of his customers liecame greatly 
indebted to him, and In this means he became a large land pro- 
prietor 1)\- the closing of mortgages. It was his custom ever\- x^ear 
to sow larg(,' (juantities of ]ilaster on his fields. ( )ne ver}' windy 
da\- he sent out his hired man. Deming, with a load of plaster to 
sow. Deming, finding that a large ])ro])ortion of the ])laster took 
wings and but ver\- little stuck lo tlu' ground, returned and re- 
ported. ■"Deming," rejjled llacon. "Co back and sow the ])laster as 
I told \'ou. and if it hits an\\vhere this side of .\orfolk it will hit on 
mv land."' X'orfolk. the town alluded to. was about thirt\- miles 
distant. 

I think' I am correct in ^a\ing that at the early times of which I 
write, there was not a public conveyance for passengers from this 
town to anv of the cities and towns on the Sound, and whoever 
would luake the journey, must take his own team. ( )ur merchants, 
after reaching the seaboard and getting on board a sloop advertised 
to sail at a certain time, would be obliged to encounter what seemed 



w ( X )L) 1 ; l; i< \' , CO x x i; c T I c L ■ T ^89 

to l)t' the most vexatiotis of delays. After wakiiii^- in the morning 
tliev would tind they had not even left ]M)rt, for. as the ca]y.ain 
would sav. "The wind is dead ahead, and there is no use tryini^" to 
stem the waves in such a dark nioht." Possil)ly. in the course of 
the day the sloop would get oft and hy another morning reach New 
York. The same delay would occur on the return trip, for hy 
that time the wind would have changed, as everyhody hoped it 
would, and so lie "dead ahead" again. Even up to 1824. when the 
writer commenced going to Xew ^'ork for the purchase of goods, 
the same hindrances were of fre(|uent occurrence, and no sure 
calculation could be made upon the time it would take for the jour- 
nev. a margin of some days being necessary to allow in any calcu- 
lation. The surest and quickest trip could be made on horseback. 
In illustration of the remarkable perseverance and energy of Mr. 
Bacon, it used to be related of him. that in the early i)art of his busi- 
ness life, before his sons were old enough to l)e of much assistance, 
and having no clerk, leaving his store closed, he started in the early 
morning on horseback for Xew York, a distance of one hundred 
miles, arriving in time to purchase a large stock of new goods the 
same day. He returned the next day. arriving home in time to 
serve a good number of customers who were at his store door 
awaiting his arrival. The journey, with good reason, w^as con- 
sidered by Mr. r.acon's friends an exploit, and b\- the merchants 
of the present day, wdio are seldom seen on horseback, it would be 
counted an impossibility. The writer, at the age of seventeen, was 
sent by his father, on horseback, to transact some business in Al- 
bany. ()n his return trip, he made eighty miles of the distance in 
one day before sunset. The class ^f merchants doin"- bu^ness in 
Woodburv at the present day. will hardly api)reciate the facilities 
they enjov in the transaction of their business. Four stages leave 
here now to connect with the railroads at as man\- different places, 
and return daily. Due largely to the iierseverance of one of our en- 
ter])risin<^- citizens who has himself been many years a merchant, 
the vibrations of the tele-jraphic wire startin<r from mv own home- 
.stead and pulsating throueh the office of the I'.ank Mbev and wait 
on our business men to an endless ramification of destination over 



290 Till'; TUWX AND I'KOl'LE 

the world. Much more in this hue could l)e written, l)ut we hasten 
to another retrospect. Of these merchants of the olden time, men- 
tioned above, all had larg^e families, sons and daughters, and all 
accumulated large estates. Of those large families only a remnant 
of their descendants remain in Woodbury. Homer Tomlinson, a 
grandson of Capt. Tomlinson, Wm. T. Bacon, Jr., Mrs. Treat Lam- 
bert and ^Irs. Enos Benham, great grandchildren of Jabez Bacon, 
being all that I call to mind. Of those large estates only a few 
acres are retained by any of their descendants, Mrs. Lambert and 
Mrs. Benham still occupying their portion of their grandfather's 
acres. 

Woodbury, Coxx. Marcls Dh Forkst. 

OcTor.ER 28, 1900. — On Main Street, near the Park on which the 
Soldiers' Monument stands, is the mercantile establishment of 
which George \\\ Proctor is owner and proprietor. The building 
in which this business is situated is centrally located, and a thriving 
general mercantile trade is conducted by this pros]3erous and en- 
terprising merchant. After ten years of experience in business life, 
he became established in the present location in the year 1885, and 
continues as a popular merchant and dealer in a large stock of 
goods, every article of the best. This business has the confidence 
of the public and the patronage of Woodbury and adjacent towns. 

October 30, 1898. — The Colony of Massachusetts must now com- 
municate with the other Colonies, the result of their armed resist- 
ance, and to this end, Samuel and John Adams, with John Han- 
cock, started on their journey to the Continental Congress, which is 
convened at Philadelphia. They have no fear in meeting the Con- 
necticut Colony, as they know the members are in sympathy with 
them. Congress decides, the first l)low has been struck, and war 
is inevitable. George Washington is elected to be Commander-in- 
Chief of the Army. 

The first military and political duty of England, now that war is 
inevitable, will be to try and separate the New England from the 
New York Colonies. The key of this position is the fortress at 



WUUDUURY^ CONXKCTICUT 



291 




29 J Til !•; T( )\\ N AM) I'h'.dl'l.l': 

Ticoiidcro^a, which cnnunaiuLs the Lakes ami the road from 
Canada to Xew York. The New England leaders have seen this 
and have determined to act <|uickly. A message is sent to Ethan 
Allen to prepare to seize the fort. He is soon joined l)y fitt\- men 
from Connecticut and Massachusetts. It is now the ninth of May, 
at night, and the compan\- are near the fort, waiting for day. As 
the first faint light of dawn appears, Allen asks every man who is 
willing to go with him to i)ledge his allegiance. Ever}- soldier 
promises to be loNal. Allen gives the word and they march to the 
gate of the fort. The gate is closed, Ijut the w icket is open. Allen, 
followed by his men, dash through and raise the Indian warwhoop. 
There is hut little resistance and Allen n^arches to tlie (|uarters of 
the Commandant. As he reaches the door, De La Place, the Com- 
mander, ap]X'ars, and Allen demands the surrender of the fort. 
■'I')V what authority," is asked. To which Allen replies, "in the 
name of the C.reat Jehovah and the Continental Congress," and 
thus the fort which had cost England s(j many campaigns, has fallen 
into the hands of the Americans in ten minutes. 

|)uring the next few weeks the Americans seem to he successful, 
and (in ( )ctol)er 17. 1777. lUirgoyne surrenders all his forces to 
Ceneral C.ates, who is now at the head of the American forces in 
this vicinity, although it is due to the skill and courage of (/"leuerals 
Sctunler and Arnold. Almost six thousand soldiers have thus laid 
down their arms and surrendered their military stores which are 
immeuseh- valuable. Hut almost greater than the ])ractical gain of 
this triumjih. is that of respect which is accorded at once throughout 
the world to American courage and military capacity. 

The I'.ritish now tr\' a new method of con<|ueriu,i.; the I nited 
Colcjuies, instead of aiming at the center they go down to the ex- 
treme South and try cutting ofif one colony after another. The'.' 
concjuer Georgia and reinstate the royal governor there. "It is 
alwavs darkest before dawn," and now this old adage seems likel\- 
to be fulfilled. Only five days since the execution of .\ndre and 
there is a great American victory at the South. A new .Army for 
the South has been raised and Nathaniel Creene placed in com- 
mand. Xow begin a series ()f victories. Ceueral C.reeue continues 



\\(jc)1)i:lkv, C(.).\M;c'i'iCL"i' 293 

to seize one position after another, drixin^' the llritisli through Souch 
Carolina into \ iri^inia. It seems ahiiost as tliou^h Oreene is de- 
hlierately (h'ivini^- them northward, so that at hist thev mav he he- 
tween two armies. \\'ashin,i.;ton. who lias heen watchini^' the course 
of events with the keen e}e of the master strate.^ist, sees that the 
time has come for a decisive hlow. \\ ashinj^ton's Arni\- moves 
southward and it is universalh' helieved that he is ahout to attack 
the i British at Xew York. I hit no, what tloes it mean? They 
have passed Xew York and are hastenino- onward. Ah! now his 
plan is clear. Cornwallis is assailed l)otli hy land and sea. He 
occupies a peninsula from which he cannot escape except In- forcini;- 
a road through Washington's .\rniy of sixteen thousand men. 
Three weeks ])ass and still Yorktown is l)omharded. An Ameri- 
can writes. "The whole peninsula tremhles under the incessant 
thunderings of our infernal machines." Good soldier and good 
general as Cornwallis is, escajjc is ini])ossihle. ( )ctol)er H). 1781. 
To-day there is great rejoicing. Cornwallis with his Armv of over 
scAen thousand men. with vast quantities of military stores, has 
surrendered and the cause of the American Revolution has heen 
won. — Story of the Rcz'oliitioii. 

\\'o.ai.\n's Clui!. WooDiiiRv. CoNX. Editti i\r. ]V[AI,r,OK>-. 

( )cToi'.i:k 31, 1898. — brother ( )nicers of the Ca])ewell Horse 
.Vail Compaii)- and representatives of its hranches, I am glad to 
meet \()U on this occasion. I am asked to make a hrief speech as 
heing the inventor of the process and machine that makes the 
Capewell nail. 

During the past week T have had an outing in Woodliurv, the 
home of my hoyhood, to which I hade adieu ahout fortv vears ago. 
My parents came from England to \merica in the late Fall of 1845 
and hrought my sister and niAself with them: I, a voungster of 
aliout two and one-half \ears. We were six weeks crossing the 
<>cean at that time. Ah' father l)rouglit niacliiner\- and tools for 
the manufacture of sporting goods, shot tops. ])owder flasks, etc., 
and he at once started in husiness in companv with his hrothers. 
who had come on vears hefore and was then enga<'ed in other husi- 



2(H 



Till-; 'I'OW N AND I'Kol'l.l". 




WKST SIDE .MANUFACTORIKS. I,. J. AIJ.KN AND IIKNJAMIN RICHARDS. 



ness. He continued in the l)tisiness for about ei,^ht years, nearly 
to the time of his death, which occurred in Octol^er, 1854. 

At that time I was a l)oy twelve years of age. Soon after my 
father's death it behooved me to be thinking- and doing-, and I 
worked for m\- uncles in the factorv Summers and went to school 
Winters, until the Spring of 1S58. Then for the first time 1 hired 
out to a good old farmer for the Summer, which was possibly the 
beginning of the making of me. .V few weeks after I had hired. I 
was off in the distant field with his hired man, and because T was 
not strong enough to hold the plough down in the tough turf, .stumps 
and stones, he came at me in a rage. I gral)be(l a rock and dared 
him thus far and no farther. He reconsidered, and stayed in his 
place. Neither of us received any bodily injur}, Imt I would not 
stay with the farmer and gave him two weeks" notice to procure an- 
other boy. I hired out to another farmer, way ui)on the West Side 
hills, no neighbors short of a mile. He was kind enough, but my 
hours were from half-past four o'clock in the morning until pitch 
dark at nic'ht. Manv was the time T wandered around in a bushy 



WUODBLRV, COXNKCTICL'T 295 

swamp in the earlv morning before daylight until I was wet and 
chilled through and through, looking up cows and cattle. J would 
not leave the place for the fear and dread of being considered shift- 
less, and so stayed the full time of my hire, five months, and to ac- 
comniTKlate my employer, two weeks longer. lUit it was in this place 
1 made mv vow, b}- the light of the cold, clear moon, that this was 
m\- first and last year as a farmer's boy or as a farmer. I realized 
that my fortune and comfort was not in farming. I there made my 
plans to go away and learn the machinist trade, and then, as oi)])or- 
tunity presented, become a manufacturer. In looking Ijack, I can 
see that 1 planned better than I then thought. 

Most people believe inventors are born inventors; that they have 
wheels in their heads, and that all they have to do is to concentrate 
Jtheir minds for a few moments antl the result is a more or less 
practical jim-crank, machine or thing. This may be true in many 
cases, but in my case, 1 can say 1 never made any inventions except 
as a business proposition. jNIy aim has been in all cases to invent 
something useful, that there would be a ready demand for, at a good 
fair profit. I did not invent for the honor of being the inventor of 
this (ir that, or liecause I was a natural bom inventor. It was be- 
cause 1 fully realized I was not born with a silver spoon in my 
mouth, and that if I ever amounted to much, I must be up and doing. 

My first invention was a self-fastening button. This patent was 
taken out in i866, and I am glad to say, has been, and is still, a great 
success. It was natural for me to invent it, as I was then in the but- 
ton business and knew the necessities and demands. In 1870 T went 
into the light hardware business for myself and then invented several 
articles in that time, among them being the giant nail puller. 1 con- 
tinued in that business until 1881, at which time I sold it out, to 
devote mv time and energy to the Cape well Horse Nail Company. 
But it was while in business for myself, that I conceived the idea of 
building a machine to automatically produce horse nails. I knew 
large quantities of horse nails were used, and once used they never 
could be used again. So in May, 1876, I commenced experimenting 
on an automatic machine for producing the nails, the outcome of 
which, is the now fairly well and favoral)l\- known Cai)ewell horse 
nail. Mv final successful machine came from many previous 



2g6 TlIK TOWX AXD PKOPl.E 

failures and ])itter disappointments. ( )ne large pondrous machine 
that had cost me several thousand dollars and years of labor, was 
consioned in one piece to the melting" furnace, to get it out of my 
sight and from the sight of the world forever. l>ut this was really 
oid\' a l)eginning. 1 then started another tliat 1 sup])osed would 
be right, but it, and others after were not right, and 1 had to try, try 
again. At this time my health was i)oor and you may imagine my 
disappointment. The world looked dark indeed, but on this, as on 
manv other occasions. 1 sim])ly had to go on and succeed, or lose all. 
Well. 1 finall}' had a machine that was a decided success, and made a 
few barrels of nails and had them well tested in horses' feet. And 
after a nearh- all Summer's siege, the stock of the proposed 
Ca])ewell Horse Xail Comi)any was taken on condition, that I make 
one change in the machine, the pointer, which was thought to lie 
an infringement of another nail pointer, but as a matter of fact it 
was not. However, there was no alternative, and so 1 t(;K)k the 
machine down to the old works in Cheshire and commenced again, 
and changed over the pointer. It cost me a good round sum and 
six months' time and hard w'ork, and much anxiety for fear the 
sul)scril)ers to the stock would die or l)ack out. Several did make 
other investments but their ])laces were readily tilled, and the com- 
pany was organized Jamiar\- 17. 1881. ( )ur comjiany went on. but 
sales were small and profits smaller. Finallw in ( )ld London, Mr. 
Williams and mvself shook hands across the table on changing the 
management of the com|)anv, and ])ursuing a more vigorous cotirse. 
After that time, the destinies were in the hands of an e.\ce])tionally 
ablr bodv of directors and oHicers. most of whom are living and 
with us now. In closing m\- remarks I will mention, it is just 
fortv \ears since 1 saw m\- first castle in the air b\- the dim. i)ale light 
of the moon on that far oiT lonelx' hill that overlooks W'oodburv. 
Flanders. Weekeepeemee. and farther in the distance Hethlehem. and 
the star of Ik'thlehem by night. Last week 1 visited the same 
old hill and i)lace. for the first time since I bade it adieu forty years 
ag(». (k'Utlemen. forgive my weakness, but m\- leeliufjs got the 
better of me as 1 again bad it adieu. ])robably for the last time. M>' 
box'hood had its hardships and jo\s, but these old rocks, hills, 
vales and crystal streams have a divine ])lace in m\- niemorw and 



WUUDilLKV, CU^■^•KCT1CL•T ^97 

may the day never come that I forget to think and speak kindly of 
them. 

just a word al)out the nail machine. The first machine was con- 
structed to make fifty nails per minute. l!ut this we found was 
not rapid enough to afford a reasonable profit, and so I put my 
wits together again and built another machine at my own expense, 
the machine which we now have, ])roduces one hundred and ten nails 
per minute. This machine, in order to produce that number of 
nails, has to perform 1,870 separate operations per minute. No 
man could watch and look after all those movements and opera- 
tions, so the machine is its own watchman and automatically stops 
itself, if a poor Ijlank is made or anythng goes wrong. Withottt 
this arrangement the machine would become hopelesslv jammed 
and broken. — I'voiii au Address at a Banquet of the Capc:ccll Horse 
Nail i'oinpaiiy. 

Haktfoki), Coxx. Gkorc.K J. Cai'Kwki.l. 

The Capewell automatic nail machine is considered to be among 
the marvels of inventive genius, giving the originator his place with 
the leading inventors of the world. It has received the approval 
of the World's Fair and the unqualitied endorsement of all leading 
experts and judges. 

Formerly, horse nails were made by hand by a laborious process, 
necessitating many workmen. One of these machines will produce 
six hundred pounds of nails each day and is so designed that any 
im]jerfection occurring, the machine stops and indicates where the 
incorrectness has taken place. 

In the completion of the quantity of nails, which four of these 
machines will produce under the management of one boy, a dozen 
each of furnaces, forging machines and skilled mechanics are re- 
quired : also three supervisors, ten finishing machines and ten 
women. 

The extensive manufactories of tlie Capewell Horse Xail Com- 
pany at Hartford were completed and the motive power placed in 
operation on June 26, 1893, Mr. Capewell then Ijeing fifty years of 
age. ( )n this occasion appropriate ceremonies were held, partici- 
pated in by his son, George Capewell, Jr. 



NOVEMBER. 



Nove:\ibkr 1, lyoo. — Consenting to make an attempt to explore 
the archives of memory, and to put on record events and incidents 
concerning- the North Church Choir that shall be accurate and in- 
teresting to the reader, confronts the writer as a difficult problem 
not easily solved. 

Having been identified with its history for about forty years, 
covering a period of time antedating the writer's memory, to the 
time of leaving his native town, it is at once apparent, that occasional 
allusions to self must be made and this indulgence the reader must 
allow. 

In former years, in the space now occupied by Choir and Organ, 
were tiers of seats rising one above the other and accommodated 
about sixty persons, the most of whom considered it not only their 
privilege but their sacred duty to occupy at all the public ser- 
vices of the Church. When the key or pitch of tune was obtained 
by means of blow pipe or tuning fork, this arrangement of sittings 
answered well. As other and more modern instruments were 
brought into use, other arrangements of Choir gallery became neces- 
sary. 

The constituency of the Choir from the earliest memory of the 
writer was largely of relatives, so much so, that it was often called 
"A Family Choir." Within the memory of many, the Walkers, 
Cogswells, Marvins and Gordons, all of kinship, were in the 
majority. 

P>acons, IJriggs, Allen, Somers, Smith, Sherman, Churchill, 
Minor, Castle, Kendall, Martin, Baldwin. Winton, Dawson and 
Ward are familv names that suggest many persons who have been 
identified with the life and work of the Choir at some time during 
the last half century. 

The honor of longest service as "Chorister" probably belongs to 



WUUDULKV, CO^'NECTICUT 299 

Joseph F. Walker (more tamiliarly known and generally spoken of 
as "Uncle Fred"). His voice was a peculiarly rich and melodious 
tenor, always pleasingly prominent in fullest chorus. The very 
tuning fork that he used for so many years is now sacredly kept by 
his son, F. A. Walker, of Waterbury, Conn. It always has a place 
in his vest pocket. 

For some years following Uncle Fred's longest term of con- 
tinuous service as leader, the honors and responsibility of conduct- 
ing the Choir were equally divided between Uncle Fred, Dea. R. J. 
Allen and Chauncey Somers. For the last twenty years or more 
Dea. Alexander Gordon has faithfully discharged this service. 

It may be said of each, that in their day and time, their service has 
been rendered with credit to themselves and to the acceptance of the 
Church. Under their guiding hands, tlie broils and quarrels that 
so often cause unpleasant friction in a Choir have been averted, and 
were almost an unknown quantity. 

The first musical instruments used in the Choir within memory 
of the writer were those played by his father, Alexander Gordon. 
Occasionally he played the clarionet, sometimes his sliding trom- 
bone, but more often his bass viol. Discordant notes or tones were 
never a production of his, melody and harmony were his delight. 
When not using his instrument, his rich, full basso voice was a de- 
light to hear. 

John Briggs, Wm. E. Cogswell and Wm. B. Walker had few 
equals as violinists in sacred song. Horatio Smith as an expert 
with the French horn, Kendall as a player of the flute, Alexander 
Gordon as cornetist, and John Ward v.-ith his bass viol, all in their 
time have rendered helpful support to the chorus, thereby con- 
tributing to the character and reputation of the Xorth Church 
Choir. 

The Briggs family was peculiarly a nnisical family, their ser- 
vices as singers and musicians were perhaps about equally divided 
with the Methodist and the North Church Choirs. If occasion 
demanded they could provide a single voice or a quartet, a single 
instrument or a small orchestra. It was the ambition of John 
Briggs in his youth to become an organist, and to gratify the desire 



300 TIIF, TOWN AND PEOPLE 

he must needs have an instrument. Having- great musical en- 
thusiasm and an inventive genius, he conceived the idea of making 
one for himself. 

The limited resources at his command did not dampen his ardor 
or prevent the realizing of his desire. His father's little shop in the 
homeyard, in the woods west of the '\'ille, was his factory, his tools, 
a jack-knife, and such others as are found in a carpenter's tool 
chest, his material a few ])ine Ijoards, and elder stalks such as can 
be found bv almost any roadside. 

About the year 1850 his ]:)atient perseverance resulted in the com- 
pletion of what was called "John llriggs's ( )rgan." 

Aml)itious to have the work of his brain and hand useful in ser- 
vice, the instrument was placed in the Choir g-allery as a surprise. 
This indeed it was, serving- doubly this puq^ose, a surprise when it 
came, also when it went, for its stay was short. 

Tt occupied floor space of about six by eight feet and in height 
was al)out seven or eight feet, was stained and grained in imita- 
tion of mahogony, had a single manual or key board, and pedal bass 
with coupling attachment and other sto])s, had bellows and wind 
chest and pipes of elder and ])ine. This was called an organ, and 
with an oj^erator on the stool and one at the shaft, with all hands at 
work gave forth tones that were in a degree musical, if not up to 
the standard of the l)est organ builders of this date. It never was 
put in a glass case as a curiositv. Soon after its disappearance 
everv boy in town had one of its whistles. 

Some two or three vears later, a melodeon belonging to Alexander 
Gordon was taken to and from the Church weekly for a time, till 
one was ])urchase(l bv funds raised by subscri])tion. The writer, 
bardl\- vet in his teens, was installed as organist. 

About 1866 the organ now in use was built and i)ut in jilace by 
Elmore Smith of New Haven. The writer was organist for 
n-iore than twentv \ears, the larger ])ortion of the time being be- 
tween the \ears 1852 and 1877. 

In earlier years the Singing School was an essential to the life 
and existence of the Choir. Men like Joseph W Webster, Leman 
^^^ Cutler and .\ugustus Sn-iith were ]iron-iinent as teachers. The 



\\■()()l)li^K^■, coxxKCTicrr 301 

meinorv of those v^inging- School nights, and the pleasure that the 
recess afforded are pleasant for some now living to recall. 

Danbury, Conn. W. A. Gordon. 

XoN'EMBER 2, 1900. — My knowledge of Joseph Walker was oIj- 
tained during brief visits to my brother, whose near neighbor Mr. 
Walker was. He seemed to me a very admirable man, and 1 con- 
ceived a high regard for him as devoted to his home, his work and 
especialh' to his Church, as a man of cheerful spirits, industrious, 
honest and conscientious. He loved the prayer meeting as was 
evident \)\ his constant presence, his hearty singing and his fervent 
prayers. 

The admiration with which he was wont to quote the sayings of 
Dea. Sherman led me to suppose that the deacon had perhai)s exerted 
a decided influence on his character. He had the instincts of a gentle- 
man and a character equal to far greater opportunities than were 
afforded 1)\- his humble, Ijut useftd life, whose faliric was all l)roid- 
ered over with that fine spirit of love to God which includes love to 
man. He seemed to me a sincere soul whom God wotild make His 
sjiecial care. 

Xkw Caaxax, Coxx. J. C. Wyckoff. 

Xox'i'.MiiKR, 3, Kjoo. — I have a deep love for my old home in the 
beautiful town of Woodbur\-, all pleasant association of childhood 
and \-onth cluster there, the .Xorth Church parsonage, now Rev. 
|. L. K. \\ ^ckoff's home, being mv father's house, and in which I 
spent the first twentv-two years of my life. » 

1'he Rev. John Churchill, the immediate successor of Rev. Grove 
Rrownell, made his home with us when he was a candidate, and 
until after his ordination and marriage. He brought his bride. Miss 
Caroline F'eck, to our house, where they lived until they went to 
housekeeping. .\ class of young ladies from the parish used to 
recite to him and I was among them. 

The young girls who lived in the vicinity of the Church, and there 
were nearlv two to every house, were members of the Choir, under 
the efficient leadership of ^Ir. Frederick Walker, and sang at the 



302 TJIE TUWX AND PEOPLE 

ordination, wearing- long- curls on that occasion. There were several 
fine tenor and bass singers in the Choir, the majority of the number 
have since passed away to join the song of the redeemed in 
Heaven. Rev. John Churchill gave us many most practical ser- 
mons, one of which I particularly remember, was from the text. 
"Should it be according to thy mind." 

VVaterburv, Coxx. vSa.kaii Skekmax Meloy. 

XoNEMr.EK 4, 1900. — Quite a number of years have slipped by 
since I removed from Woodbury, after a very pleasant life there of 
five busy years. More than fourteen years have passed since the 
pleasant relations were severed, and, though I have often wished 
to do so. the time has never come when I could conveniently revisit 
Ancient Woodbury. 

I vividlv recall the day, a very cold one, when I landed at Water- 
bury and took Mr. Benham's stage for Woodbury. The snow was 
several inches deep and the air was keen. The ride was by way 
of \\'atertown and was just as long as it is now. 

After an interview with Rev. Mr. Wyckofi:', Judge Huntington, 
Mr. G. B. Lewis and others, it was arranged that I should become 
principal of I'arker Academy. The school opened soon after with 
fifteen girls and boys. The number of pupils gradually increased 
and the school became very satisfactory in many ways. 

The pupils were as eager to progress, perhaps, as Xew England 
boys and girls ])roverbially are, and they were faithful to the school 
and did their part toward giving it a good name. There are, I 
trust, some who were enrolled in the school at that tiiue who have 
found that those years were not the least valuable of their school 
life. The boys and girls of that time are the men and women of 
this. To what life have they been called and have they acf|uitted 
themselves well in the world ? 

There were fine minds in Parker Academy in those days, some 
of them as good as I have ever found in any school. 

In a short time, it seemed l)est that the school pr()])erty be i)ut in 
better condition, and to that end Mr. G. B. Lewis. Mr. Walter Cur- 
tiss, Mr. Horace Curtiss. Mr. F. F. Hitchcock and myself bought 



WOODIU-R^', CONNECTICUT 3O3 

the school property, inchichni;- the house. New desks were put in 
the schoolrooms and they were improved very much. 

The schools improved in excellence and increased in numbers 
until we had, in the Winter, all the pupils that we could conveniently 
accommodate. 

As in all other annals, when atfairs g'o on well, there is but little 
to tell. One year followed another, each filled full with nian>' 
duties, and as I look back to them now and recall the incidents of 
the time, it impresses me that the amount and quality of the work 
done by the pupils were very satisfactory. 

In the Spring- of 1886 we moved to Brooklyn, N. Y. Three years 
after we went to Freehold, X. J. Seven years were passed there in 
Boarding School work, and then, after one year as principal of the 
Behnar Public School, I opened a private school here in Red Bank, 
similar in many respects to Parker Academy. 

Of the people of Woodbury I have no other than the pleasantest 
recollections, and life in their l)eautiful town was a continual joy. 

RKI) P.AXK. XKW Jl^KSEV. H. C. TAL>rAGE. 

XoNK.Mi'.KR 5, igoo. — Woodbury has always been so dear to me 
from m\- childhood to the present time that a book just about Wood- 
bury will Ix' yer\- interesting. If one has ever visited Woodbury 
there is an irresistible desire to visit the town again as each season 
returns. ( hilv once have I had the pleasure of being there in the 
Spring, but never have I a])preciated the Springtime so much as 
I did then. 

Xkw ^'okk. Maud Lacev Baker. 

X()\E.\ii!ER 6, 1900. — The beautiful town of Woo(ll)ury was my 
early home, and the old homestead on the hill 1 i)rize so highly. 
While in my present home in Xew Jersey, the valued residence of 
mv later vears. m\- thoughts often return to the days of my child- 
hood, bringing to mind the precious memories that gather round 
mv old home and the years that I spent in Woodbury. 

Xkw Ii'Rsen. Serin.v Thomas D.\wsox. 



3''4 



THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 




WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 3^5 

November 7, 1900. — The early days of quartz niinino- in Cali- 
fornia were marked with repeated failures. lonorance of the cor- 
rect methods of mining- and milling- the auriferous quartz, ruined 
hundreds of enterprising men who first emharked in that enterprise. 
The same was true of capitalists who attempted it. Lack of ex- 
perience and the high price of labor were decidedly against that kind 
of gold mining-. It was in the midst of just such discourag:ements 
that the subject of this sketch commenced his career. For a long 
time no success crowned his efforts. After nionths of incessant 
effort, all he had to show for so great an outlay were two or three 
shafts sunk a hundred or more feet into the adamantine rock. His 
monev was all gone but his stock of faith remained intact. There 
came a time when it seemed that the work must stop. His creditors 
had been lenient and liberal, but they could favor him no more, not 
even a sack of flour. A ride of two hours lirought him to the seat 
of an adjoining- county. It was a prosperous town. In it were 
several well-to-do merchants. The quartz miner sought out one 
and with candid earnestness told him his troubles. "Now," he con- 
tinued, "I have given you plain truthful statements of my aff"airs. I 
am almost certain of a rich mine eventually. Can you, or will yr)u, 
under these circumstances, credit me with a l)ill of g:oods. If the 
mine pavs me, you will get your money. If it does not, some time 
in the future I shall meet with success and will not forg^et the obli- 
g-ation." "How much do you want?" coolly asked the merchant. 
"Three hundred dollars worth of assorted goods, mostly provisions." 
"You can have them," said the merch.ant unhesitatingly, "make out 
your list." The g-oods were shipped forthwith. The mines had been 
opened in a scientific manner, the lead proved to be a true fissure 
vein with the rich metal evenly distributed through all the rock. The 
income was a permanent one, the owner became immensely rich, 
and the community a ])rosperous one for long: years afterwards. 
Years passed away, the lucky miner plodded along until his wealth 
made him world-renowned, and yet though several times a mil- 
lionaire, he never became haughty or sordid. The merchant's luck 
also changed, but only from bad to worse. Fires, bad debts and a 
rapid decadences of local resources eventually brought him aln-iost 



3o6 Tlllv TUWX AND PEOPLE 

to the verge of penury. Gathering together the Httle he had left, 
he set out to visit the land of his birth. At the Bay City he pur- 
chased a steamer ticket and patiently awaited the day of departure. 
Walking- the streets, one day, he met the millionaire miner, then just 
returned from a journey abroad. "Well, I am really glad to meet 
you. How long- it has been since we have met. How are you and 
how has the world used you?" "Well as to health, poorly other- 
wise," quickly and cheerfully responded the other. "I have a few 
hundred dollars left, and only a few, after paying my fare East, 
where I am going to visit the few relatives that yet live." "Pos- 
sible ! It is too bad, come with me and let us have a talk of the 
bv-gone days." Once seated, then an hour flew quickly. At last 
the merchant rose to go. "Stop, one moment more," and turning to 
his desk quickly penned a name, then signed another, tore the leaf 
from the book and handed it to him, saying: "Take that, it's but a 
trifle. I shall not miss it. It may help you when the few hundred 
dollars you have left are gone." The check read thus: "Pay to the 
bearer three thousand dollars." Tears of gratitude furrowed the 
cheeks of the pioneer merchant as he took the gift. 

Published in Rochester, New York. John H. Allen. 

November io. 1900. — 

Fair Woodbury! E'en from thy rocks and rills, 
Thy fertile valleys and thy wooded hills, 
Th' uncultured red man, from his native fields. 
Sulimission to the cultured white man yields. 

Here, in this genial clime, has grown a liand. 
Endowed with talents of superior brand ; 
A noted, sliining group — their names rehearse. 
Though not euphonious in poetic verse. 

Zecheriah Walker leads the reverend band. 
Next Stoddard, Benedict and Andrews stand ; 
Godly in gifts, heading a lustrious line, 
Ending with Freeman, at the present time. 



woonr.i'KV, coNxiX'TicrT 307 

College professors and senators here born. 
Emblazoned high — their noble names adorn, — 
Statesmen and judges, soldiers and heroes here, 
While lawyers and doctors by the score appear. 

The genus Judson, Sherman, Mmor, Bull, 
Of Sanford, Hinman, Atwood, Hull. 
Of Preston, Bacon. Huntmgton and Strong, 
Conspicuous names, that in the roll l)elong. 

Vain is the effort to complete in rhyme, 

The names illustrious, in their day and time; 

So here direct you to consult the list. 

In "Cothren's History"— there, none are missed. 

Woodbury, Con.n. . ^E«RGE P. Ali.EN. 

Receive, dear friend, the tribute thou dost claim. 
Entwined by me a love wreath for thy name : 
Bidden by thee, love prompts my willing hand. 
Ever obedient to thy sweet command. 
Content, yea proud, if of that wreath one tlower 
Can breathe a fragrance on a lonely hour. 
And tell thee of affection's hallowed power. 

Remembrance lingers where I saw thee last ; 
Oft fancy hears the sweet familiar tone, 
Space for a moment seems to be o'erpast. 
E'en to thy side, on wings of thought. I've flowm : 
Then, when I fain would greet thee with a kiss. 
The thought of distance chills th' imagined bliss- 
Alas! how frail is fancied happiness. 

Shall time, or space, or earthly sorrows chill, 

Hearts that are warmed by friendship's sacred glow ; 

E'en when we feel affliction's keenest thrill. 

Rest we most fondly on affection's vow ; 

May friendship thy unfailing solace be. 

Accept the heart's best offering from me. 

None gives more freely to love's treasury. 

God shield my friend, from every earthly woe. 
Increase thy blessings till thy cup o'ertlow. 



3o8 THE TOWN AND PEOPLE 

Let every circling hour, some joy impart. 
Love gild thy pathvi'ay, hope inspire thy heart, 
Endeared to all may life's best joys be thine. 
Till thou are called earth's pleasures to resign. 
Then may a fadeless wreath thy brow entwine. 
(Acrostic to Rebecca Slicnnan Gillctt.) 

Woodbury, Conn. Juija Finch Ali.En. 

November ii, 1900. — It would oive me much pleasure to add 
my "mite" to the Souvenir of Old Woodbury. Its old rocks and 
ever charmin"- hills, peaceful valleys, wanderino- streams and the 
oood old true people I shall ever cherish a warm afifection for. I 
have been absent from there over forty years and most of the people 
I knew have passed away, and of their descendants I know nothings:. 

1 can recall one incident of the old pastor of the South Church. 
When he made his yearly visits the children stood in awe of him, 
if we missed a word from the old Westminister Catechism, it sto<xl 
a^qainst us forever. His wife was passionately fond of flowers. 
One hot Smumcr day they were walkng- in their g-arden and she 
exclaimed, "( )h, it is so hot I shall die." He replied: "You could 
not die in a better place." I trust the Souvenir will meet with 
success. 

}b)isT()X, Tkxas. Axxa M.veeokv B.meey. 

XoxEMi'.EK 12, KjOO. — Havino- been kept very btisy during" the past 
month, am sorrv to sav. 1 have overlooked the communication asking- 
me to contribute an article for the book of W^oodbury, a publication 
which will Ik- of exceeding- interest 10 many people. T have always 
taken a deep interest in the jirooress and welfare of my native town, 
and I am glad to note the rajiid progress during the past ten years 
in new building-s. parks and streets as well as population, and shall 
expect still greater achievements during the next ten years. 

From the diary of the Honoral)le William Ellery of Dighton, 
Massachusetts, when on his way to his Congressional duties at 
Philadelphia in 1777, I quote the following:, which may be of in- 
terest to the readers: "Xovember ytli, we l)reakfasted at ("lilclu-ist's 



WCJUOJU'KV. COXN'KCTICL'T 309 

in W Oddbury. ( )n the way from Koxlxiry to Woodljury, about three 
or four miles from the former, the eye is saluted with a Ijeautiful 
landscape. The side of a mountain in a semi-circular form, from 
its identic declivit}' ])resents a charming" variety of fields and wx)ods 
and buildinj^s. In a word it yields a more beautiful prospect than 
any you behold between it and Philadelphia. Gilchrist furnished us 
with the best dish of liohea tea and the l)est toasted bread and but- 
ter I have eaten for a twelve month.'" 

As many know, the Mr. Gilchrist referred to, kept a "tavern" in 
the Iniilding- which has been remodeled and is now the residence of 
Thomas L. Shea, and it was at this place, where Generals Washing- 
te^n and Lafayette sixMit the night when they stopped in Woodbury 
with their troops during the Revolution. 

WATKKiirKv. Coxx. Lkon M. Barnes. 

Xoxi'M I'.HR 13, 1900. — As I was onl_\- seven _\-ears old when 1 left 
Woodbury, I remember only a little about my early life there. I 
loved even the name, and can remember being so homesick that 
whenever I saw the word in print, 1 cut it out and my eyes looked 
upon it as to the promised land. 

The first Scripture 1 committed that niade a deep impression upon 
me was there. I learned the first twelve verses of the I3c)th Psalm 
at a little school, taught bv Miss Jane Hotchkiss of W'atertown, 
when I was six _\ears old. M\' remembrance not onlv of the great- 
ness and power of God, and my trembling that He could see to the 
bottom of the sea, as well as that He was always looking at me, has 
alwa\s led me to strongly advocate teaching the Pible text, in Day 
as well as Sunday Schools. I remember also the Church and the 
tall form of my beloved father looking down on me from the pulpit 
as I sat in "Grandmother Bacon's" square pew, with her in the mid- 
dle, sitting in a "Boston rocking chair." 1 remember the Maternal 
meetings and wish that thev might alwavs be maintained in every 
church. The united prayers 1)_\' the mothers for the children of the 
Church, must reach the ear of a C()venant-kee])ing God. 1 remem- 
ber family worship, and at a very early age m}' need of a Savior and 
fear lest 1 mioht be lost, a short word of foiu" letters was not 



310 THE TOWN AND PKOl'LE 

"olisolete" in those (la\s. I was then tanght virtnally, that in the 
original, "everlasting" l)efore "deatli " was the same word as hefore 
"life," and that the twenty-iifth chapter of Matthew had a meaning 
for all time as to eternal results. I am not sa} ing that the former 
times were better than these, but w^e were taught that the i)ible 
was the word of God, to be believed and not to be accejited or re- 
jected according- to every man's interpretatit)n. 1 can remember 
with what reverence my father said to me, "(_^jet the sense of your 
History lesson and recite it in your own words, but repeat the lUble 
as you find it written." The llible was the word of God then from 
cover to ccjver. In these times of doubt, a lesson my father taught 
ni\- (|uestioning mind I think is worthy of preservation, as it show- 
how trul}- the first pastor oi the North Church in Woodbury laid 
deep foundations for simple faith. I am sure, God has used it to 
anchor me when waves of questioning sorrow have well nigh over- 
wiielmed me. ( )ften I picture myself the half drowned fig-ure cling- 
ing above the rocks and billows, simply hanging to the cross, "The 
Rock of Ages," and hearing the whisper as an echo of my father's 
teaching, "What thou knowest not now, thou shalt know hereafter." 

\'ery early I began to investigate "the doctrines," Election, Saints 
Perseverance, Eternal Life and Eternal Death. ( )ne day my father 
was shaving. He stood between the two windows to the south in 
our dining-room, and 1 have the dear old-fashioned heavy gilt 
framed glass into which he was looking. I half lay down on the 
tal)le beneath and resting my head on my hand said: "Papa do 
l)Iease explain the doctrines to me. How shall I know- it if T aiu 
one of the 'Elect.' and that I am really a Christian?" .\fter (|uite 
an earnest talk, he stepped liack and fixing his eyes on me said : 
"My daughter, you are on dangerous ground. You know enough 
to be sure you are a sinner and that Jesus died to save sinners. 
I lidden things belong to God. Perhaps these doctrines that trouble 
von so much will be made clear to you in this world and perhaps 
not. Come to Christ, trust Him and some time you will know." 

Manv a time since when I have the investigating spirit too strong- 
ly upon me for profit, out of the waves and l)illows of uncertainty, 
J have heard my father telling me I was in too deep water, and T 



WOOl'JlU'RV, COXXKCTICIT 3II 

have lifted my Iiands, and clini^ini;- to the words of the voice that 
spoke hefore the words my father echoed. "iJehold tlie Lamh of God 
that taketh away the sin of the world." 

Revivals in the Church and the conversion of many souls hlessed 
my father's faithful labors. He believed in the neii^hborhood and 
church prayer meetings, when the church family met to 
speak of the loving- kindness of the Father and to ask 
His continued blessing- on the Church and the world. I 
have often found in recent years those ])rayer meetings held 
in loving- memory. I remember being- told of my father's 
work and co-operation wdth Dr. Lyman Ueecher, in his efforts to 
establish the temperance reform, and when 1 could not have been 
more than three or four years old, the persecutions that he and 
Deacon Sherman endured for activity in the work, such as shearing 
their horses, burning- carriages, threatening- letters, etc. 1 think 
1 can remember Deacon Sherman's carriage beings burned near Mr. 
Frederick Walker's l)lacksmith shop, and about that time a "wag" 
gathered some men around him and said he would make them know 
everyboch' in town, by something he would say. When he 
straightened himself to full height and said, "The speech of the 
people is on my side, sir!" They shouted "Air. Urownell." So it 
will ever be, both for God and man, if one "dares to do right and 
dares to l)e true." 1 remember a "wood spell" when the men of the 
])arish brought us our year's supply of wood, and I hope this is still 
the custom. Such expressions of thoughtfulness from a people to 
their pastor and his faniily, live in the memory long, long years. 
Woodbury and its love for my father and mother are every day 
brought to mv mind bv some of these gifts of love, still in use in m\ 
home. Every Summer, I sleep in some linen sheets that Mrs. Lydia 
Minor wove and w^orked her name in cross-stitch in the corner. 
Children and children's children have been taught her name and her 
works. T remember being held in the arms of Rev. Albert Judson, 
and seeing my father look through smoked glass at an ecli])se he 
had calculated when in college. Tt pleased my father very nmch 
that his calculations were accurate to the day and hour. Albert 
Judson was mv father's brother-in-law. i)reached in Philadelphia, 



312 Till': I'OWX AND I'Kuri.K 

and with my sister in Xew York, while he was there studying, 
wrote the tirst "Sunday School Uuestions" ever published. I have 
the writing desk on which the} were written, a beautiful ])iece of 
old furniture, which once belonged to Governor Clinton of New 
York. Another striking coincidence 1 will mention: James B. 
Thompson, who, associated with ] 'resident Day, published a series 
of mathematical works, was supported in college by the North 
Church in WOotlbury. He spent his vacations at my father's house, 
and in after years, I learned that m}' husband was at the time his 
room-mate at ^'ale. Woodbury was the first love of my father and 
mother, and no other, quite gained the same place in their hearts. I 
thank you for the opportunity of expressing this deep feeling, when 
there are no more words for them, but those written in the book of 
(hkI's remembrance, for their life in Woodbury, and the on-going 
impressions they made on future and succeeding generations, can 
never be known, until we sit in heavenl\- i)laces and review all the 
way in which Ciod has led us. 

I am not only grateful to the people, but to the succeeding pastors 
of the Church, Rev. John Churchill and Rev. J. L. R. VVyckotif, for 
their oft repeated assurances of the love of the people and their own 
appreciation of the labors into which they have entered. Surely for 
the ancient Church and its pastor, "They rest from their labors and 
their works do follow them." 

LiTCHFiKLD, Conn. Mary Urownkij- McLalt^lilin. 

NovEMi;KR 14, i8y8. — From the first, it became apparent that 
there was destined to be a conflict on the seacoast and the ocean. 
The conditions of both nations were such as to provoke this kind 
of warfare. On the one side was the British armament superior to 
an}' other in the world, having one thousand and sixty vessels in 
her navy, and the United States only twenty vessels, an exposed 
seacoast, a few fortresses, and a navy of almost insignificant pro- 
])ortions. From the beginning, the policy of the American govern- 
ment had been distinctly declared against a standing army and 
regular fleet. A large military establishment, said the defender of 
the American system, is enormously expensive and a constant 



WOODBURY, CONNIiCTlCL'T 313 

menace to civil liberty. Great, therefore, was the astonishment of 
the world, when the American sailors, not waiting to be attacked, 
went forth without a tremor to smite the mistress of the seas, and 
greater the admiration when a series of victories were declared for 
the flag of the Reptiblic. During the Summer of 1812 the navy of 
the United States won a just and lasting renown. On the 19th of 
August the frigate Constitution, commanded by Capt. Isaac Hull, 
overtook the British ship. Guerriere, off the coast of Massachusetts. 
Before the war Capt. Hull and Capt. Dacre were old acquaintances. 
"If there should 1x^ a war. you must take care of the Guerriere, if 
I should come across her in the Constitution," said Capt. Hull. 
'Til be willing to venture any amount of money you will be 
whipped," said Capt. Dacre. "I do not wish to bet money ; let it 
be a hat." The two friends parted to meet again in the service of 
tlieir country. The Guerriere, as if to assert her authority, flung out 
a flag from each topmast, when far away her guns flashed, but fell 
short. Capt. Hull gave the order to double-shot the guns, and the 
sailors sent home the thirty-two pound balls. The cannons of 
Guerriere opens once more. "Not a cannon is to be fired till I give 
the word." is Capt. Hull's orders. "Now boys. Hull the ship." and 
the sailors swing to their task with, a ''hurrah. " keeping up a con- 
tinual war from the double-shotted guns. Twenty minutes and 
Guerriere is a helpless wreck. Lieut. Read goes on l)oard. "Ca]it. 
Hull sends his compliments, and wishes to know if you have struck 
vour flag?" "Well, as my main and mizzenmasts are gone, I may 
as well sav we have," said Capt. Dacre. *T will not take your 
sword." said Capt. Hull, as he stood before him. "But I will trouble 
you for that hat." The world rejoiced at the result of the war. To 
the people of the United States came the dawning of the idea that 
the country was not a Confederacy, but a Union of States, connected 
bv patriotic blood, bound together by inseparable ties, a Govern- 
ment by all the people. — ''Baffles of 1812." 
Woman's Club, Woodbury, Coxx. Mrs. Wai/pkr M. StiiJ'S. 

November 14, 1898. — The surrender of Cornwallis was indeed de- 
cisive, the great W^ar of Independence was rea]l\- at an end. and 



314 ''■'"*• '''('\V\ AND I'KOI'Mv 

the treaty of peace finally signed. A writer says : "'The period be- 
tween 1783 and 1788 was pre-eminently the turnin"- point in the 
development of political society in the Western Hemisphere." 
After the formal cessation of hostilities on the lyth of April, the 
eighth anniversary of Lexinoton, Washington granted a furlough 
to most of his soldiers. Arriving at home, their muskets were hung 
on the chimney-piece as trophies for their grandchildren to he proud 
of, the stories of their exploits and sufferings become household 
legends, and they went on living as in "old colony times." 

There were many evils attendant upon the weak government of 
the Continental Congress, and Washington knew that there must be 
an immediate and thorough reform. ( )n the 8th of June, when 
he knew the army would soon be disbanded, he addressed the gover- 
nors and presidents of the several States a circular letter, which be 
wished to have regarded as his legacy to the American people. In 
this letter, he insisted upon "Four essentials to the existence "f the 
United States as an independent power. First, there must be an 
indissoluble union of all the States under a single federal govern- 
ment, which nuist possess the power of enforcing the decrees. 
Secondly, the debts incurred by Congress for the purj.ose of carry- 
ing on the war and securing the independence must be paid to the 
uttermost farthing. Thirdly, the militia system must be organized 
throughout the Tnited States on uniform ])rinciples. Fourthly, the 
people must Ite willing to sacrifice, if need be, of their local interest to 
the common weal; they must discard their local i)rejudices, and re- 
gard one another as fellow citizens of a common country, with in- 
terests in the deepest and truest sense identical." 

Washington, by his unparalled grandeur of character and his 
heroic service, came to have a great hold upon the people, and the 
best people of the country treasured u]) his noble and sensible 
words. 

( )nlv through the disci])line of i)eri)lexity and tribulation, cou!<; 
the i)eo])le be l)rought to realize the indispensible necessity of that 
indissoluble I'nion of which Washington bad spoke. A historian 
savs : "Tt is not too much to sav that the dangers from which we 



\\( )()l )l', I ■ m , C( ) y NKCTIC L'T 



315 



were saved in 1788, were even oreater than the dangers from which 
we were saved in 1865." 

Wo.AfAx's CiA'u, WooDiJLRv, Coxx. Sara M. Curtis. 




'I'llK M!IXS Ol" l)AXll-;i. CUK'tlSS SON'S. 



3l6 TKK TOWX AND PEOPLE; 

November 15, 1900. — Years ago, a little "irl, with the rest of her 
family, came to Woodbury to live. ( )ne frosty November night 
she walked up the village street to her new home, and, years after- 
ward, in recalling that walk, she could hear the dead leaves rustle 
under her feet and feel again the sharpness of the air. The home to 
which the child came was one of the large old-fashioned houses on 
the main street, with a beautifully shaded yard, and here she spent 
some of the happiest years of her life. 

The little girl has disappeared; in her stead is a woman, whose 
path has led her far from the peaceful I'omperaug \alley, but the 
happv experiences of the child and \-oung girl li\'e in the memory of 
the woman, as vivid as though long years had not intervened, and 
whatever her surroundings, she can, at will, escape them all and go 
back to \A'oodbury and the care-free days of youth. Imagine with 
what content she leaves the ])resent, all restlessness and change, 
and slips oiT for awhile to the world of memory, where she finds the 
Woodburv of her childhood unaltered, and all the old friends un- 
touched by the hand of time. 

She sees the old home, — as though she had left it Imt yesterday, — 
with all the dear familiar faces. — some of which, alas ! she will see 
no more on earth with the physical eye ; the neighbors come in as 
of old ; she sees them unchanged and hears them laugh and talk. 
She stands at the back door again, as she has done so many, many 
times, and looks across the meadow to Oood Hill, a charming 
picture under the soft rays of the setting sun or in the brilliant light 
of the vSummer noon; she watches again the showers come march- 
ing down the hill to the valleys; sees the fog lift antl the hill, green 
and fresh, ])ut on the newly swe])t look which is ihe sure sign of 
clearing weather. She sits again in Parker Academy with her 
dearest friends. — a little gray-eyed girl. She mounts into the high 
buggy beside her father and drives with him up and down the street 
and over the hills, behind a fast horse. She goes to Bear Hill for 
arbutus; to Hurd's Hill Lane for blueberries and to West Side for 
low-vine blackberries. She climbs the hill to "The Rocks" and 
views the green valley below, surrounded I)y the eternal hills, the 
church spires and tops of the houses ]:)ee])ing out from the trees, 



\\()()L)l;^■K^ , cox xi'.cricrT 317 

and the river \viii(lin,i;- throui^h the smooth meadows. vShe i)ionics 
aiiain at (Juassapaui;- Lake and Xonnewau.^- P'alls, and takes aj;ain 
the k.no-. lovely rides over the hills and thron.^'h the woods, where 
are maiden hair and cardinal flowers and multitudes of other heauti- 
ful things. 

She sits ao-ain in the white church and hears the choir sin^- "( )h, 
Day of Rest and Gladness"; goes to the afternoon prayer meeting 
on Thursdav ; to the strawherry festivals, and out to "spend the 
afternoon and stay till after tea." She hears again the rumhle of 
the Sevmour stage, as it comes swaying up the street, stops at the 
Post Ofhce and then goes on toward Hotchkissville. and she joins 
the i)rocession of people going for the daily mail. 

The Summer wanes ; the katydids call to each other in the maples 
along- the street; the g-olden rod and aster are out ; the nights grow 
cool; soon Indian Summer comes, the most heautiful time of all in 
Woodhurv ; the da}s are warm and hazy and the valley is all al)laze 
with the red and yellow of the Autumn leaves ; she gathers again 
the hitter-sweet herries and the feathery clematis and feels the in- 
describable charm in the atmosphere. The days grow^ short and 
cold; the alisent children come home for Thanksgiving; she hears 
their noise and laughter and sits down with the rest of the merry 
com])an\- to the grand dinner. Snow comes, beautifying the Winter 
landscape ; the sleighs fly up and down the street ; she goes again 
to sewing societies, donation parties, and to singing school, where 
she sees the genial Mr. Buckingham training his chorus to sing 
"Jerusalem, my Glorious Home," or "Child of Mortality. Whence 
Dost Thou Come?"; she meets old friends and acquaintances, hears 
their familiar voices and their characteristic sayings. And so she 
goes on recalling the past, till she comes to the day when she left 
the old home for another. Now the visions fade ; she awakes to 
the present and realizes that all this pleasant wandering in and about 
the old home is Ixit a dream, — but she feels refreshed by the back- 
ward look and these memories are a help to her in her present life. 

Occasional bits of news from Woodbury reach her and she hears 
in late vears of various substantial improvements to the village, in 
which she rejoices and which she hopes one day to see, when she has 



^I'*^ THli 'I'UWX AXJ) I'l'Ol'l.lC 

Opportunity to revisit in person the old home. When siie does go 
hack, however, she will feel like a stranger, for most of those whom 
she knew so well have gone to their reward, and a new generation 
is upon the scene. May they hear their hardens and do their work 
as faithfull}- as did their fathers and mothers of hlessed memorx'. 

A FoR.MER WoOUlifRV OlRI,. 

XovioiiU'R i6, 1900. — It was in Jidy, 1846, that I was ordained 
and installed pastor of the First Church in Woodhury. It is more 
than half a century since then. ])ut the scenes and experiences of 
the heginning of ni}- ministerial life are fresh in my memory. I 
was cordially received hy a very patient and united parish. I re- 
memher the saintly ones always true and loyal to their minister, and 
1 rememher man\- kind acts of heloved ones that are gone. I have 
always admired that congregation as working in union, not allow- 
ing divisions to cree]) in. Among m\ recollections are those of the 
children's meetings at Christmas and Xew Year's, in which a little 
Hock came to me, and the names of manv are in mv mind. Thev 
were pleasant gatherings, and 1 liave heard occasional echoes, long 
after, from those who were then children, and who have sent me 
l^roofs of their enjoyment and benefit received from them. 

I have often felt how imperfect were my early ministrations and 
how indulgent my people were. I rememher a large numher of both 
men and women, saintly souls, who seemed ripened for the better 
life. They are dear to me still; I need not specify names: they will 
still he he'd in everlasting remembrance. 1 trust that some were 
led to Christ in m\- ei^ht \ears' pastorate. 

When I went to Woodbury T entered the famih- of judge N. B. 
Smith, where 1 received the kindest care, which a }()ung minister 
needed, and enjoyed the brightness and high qualities of Mrs. Mary 
.\nn Cioodrich Smith. 1 shall always remember the beautiful 
scenery of Woodbury, the \ alle\- and h'astern Heights overlook- 
ing a charming landscape, and which through the ])ublic s|jirit and 
generosity of leading citizens, has been made a cultured Park. I 
regret that severe illness compels me to dictate the above thoughts 



WOODIU k\ , COX-XKCTICIT 319 

and to leave unexpressed what a full iieart would utter, I hope to rise 
slowlv from [present disahility. "A loving' heart never forgets."" 
1 Iakii'okd, Coxx. Lucius O. Curtis. 

This l)elo\'ed pastor of the First Church, who resiq'ued his position 
owing to ill-health, was welcome* 1 h\" his people, as he occasionally 
returned and occupied the ])ulpit during' the Summer seasons. His 
scholarly sermons sound in theology, rich in Christian faith, 
expressed also, his earnest thoughts in hehalf of the salvation of 
the world. In a message to the Church, he said: "It is well for 
us to feel that we have Init one life to live, and that it is our privilege 
to make the most of it for others and for the only kingdom that will 
not perish. A planet a hundred times larger than the earth is of 
small value as compared with a single redeemed soul, and to lead 
one soul to Christ as Savior and Lord, is hetter than to rescue a 
universe of matter from the desolation of chaos!" louring his 
ministr\- there were large accessions to the Church in his care, fifty 
uniting at one time. His faithful ministratiitn will he treasured 
among the recollections of the past. He ])assed from this life 
Februar\ i i , Ujoi . 

X"()\'K.MP.ER 17 1900. — Mv earliest recollection of school, dates 
from the mature age of four vears, when in charge of a boy, older 
than myself, I was sent to the school locally known as District 
School No. 2. This building in every detail, except color, was of that 
now famous type. "The little red schoolhouse of Xew England." I 
believe it has since been destroyed by fire. The desks for the older 
scholars, both Ijovs and girls, were built around three sides of the 
room, leaving the fourth side for the teacher's ])latform, entrance, 
and also in Winter for a liberal sup])l\' of cord wood. The seats were 
of the slabs, which were left from logs after sawing mto l)oards, each 
seat about ten feet long and with four stout legs at the ends. .\s 
these legs were generally gotten out with an axe, the resemblance to 
cart stakes was verv close. The tops of the seats were originally 
left as they came from the sawmill, but time and hard use had 
brought them to a high state of polish. The seats and desks were 



320 TiLK TUW X AND 1'KOri.E 

ornamented by carvings, executed liy jackknives, which in the hands 
of the expert Yankee whittlers of those days, were capable of 
fashioning- anything from an ox-yoke to a toothpick, and which g'en- 
erally consisted in cutting; the scholar's initials in the place which 
the paper would naturally take when used for writing. Sometimes 
these carvings took the shape of rude monograms, formed of the 
initials of the boy and the girl of his choice. 

When in the Winter term the big boys came back to school, its 
seating capacity was filled to the utmost limit, and those who were 
so unfortunate as to get the middle seats, were, when called to face 
the teacher, compelled to perform some feats in g\^mnastics not 
down in the course of study. Sometimes when the teacher's back 
was turned, the eft'orts, of those in the center to get more elbow 
room, would result in upsetting the unwary on the end seats. I 
have never forgotten the mortification of two girls, who are now 
among the most staid matrons of Woodlniry. who suddenly found 
themselves sprawling on the fioor as the result of a sudden tug of 
war. 

The \<>unger scholars were seated on low l)enches in front of the 
larger ones. As these seats were without backs, the hardship of 
keeping little children seated from nine o'clock until noon, with only 
a short recess, can hardly be realized in these days of Kindergartens 
and the refinements of modern schools. These low benches also 
served as footstools for the older ones, and the child in front was 
expected to take it as a matter of course, when from the rear, his 
hair was gently combed by a boot well covered with grease. My 
first teacher, who has long since departed, was noted for his disci- 
pline, wdiich he took care to enforce at all times, and upon the least 
provocation, by the aid of a ruler, which seems to me now to have 
been about four feet long, and as many inches wide, and of well 
seasoned ^cherry, but which was probably half that size. T have 
never forgotten the first punishment I saw ; a young Cuban, by the 
name of Jose Castro, and who, I think, was boarding with Mr. 
Cothren, for some infraction of discipline, was clubbed and punished 
in a manner which would be now called brutal, and would subject 
a teacher to the well deserved judgments of the police court. 



WijoDr.L'RV, CUXXECTICL'T 321 

As in Winter there was the maximum of attendance, so it was in 
Winter that we had our fullest share of sports, snowballing-, build- 
ing- forts of snow on the rocks by the Masonic Lodge, sliding down 
hill from the Main Street to the Hollow, skating on Curtiss's pond; 
the noon hour and recess was all too short, and sometimes we en- 
croached on school hours. I have a vivid and personal remem- 
brance of the teacher's discipline, when some six or eight of us boys, 
for tarr\-ing hve minutes too long at recess, were lined up in front 
of the school, and after a severe reprimand, were treated to half a 
dozen l>lows of his ruler, well laid on. The warmth of the old l)Ox 
stove, which by the way. was about four feet long, by two feet 
square, made of cast iron, with the door in the end, where the cord 
wood was literally fired in, the warmth of the stove was nothing 
to the warmth we felt in our hands the balance of the day. 

(Jf the "Dunce"" of the school, who may now be a Congressman; 
of the "I hilly" who tyrannized over all us small boys, and who was 
drumnied out of camp during the \\'ar of the Rebellion for 
cowardice: of the "Smart" boy, who has been long since forgotten, 
there is neither time nor space to write, but those ])leasant memories 
of early schoolboy friends, of Harry, and Tom, and Dick : of Mabel 
and Clara and Bell : of the little girl with the curly head and elfin 
locks, these memories stir my heart and brighter grow as the days 
go by. and as sitting here 1 recall them now, 

"I wouk'l I were a boy again." 

to sit once more on those hard wood seats and to recite again in 
the reading, cyphering and spelling classes. The curriculum of the 
District School of fifty years ago can not compare in variet}- or 
extent with that of the graded schools of to-day, but I am certain, 
the diligent scholar of those days was as well prepared for his life's 
work, in the thorough knowledge of the elementary principles of 
education which was beaten into him by precept and rod. 

New Havkx', Coxx. Wiiju-r Colton Lambkrt. 



3^2 



111': TOWN AND I'lvOPLE 




WOUDl'.LKV, COXXKCTICLT 323 

N()\ KMiiKK 25, 1900. — On Main Street, in Hutchkissville, is situ- 
ated a large Dr\- Goods and General Merchandise establishment. 
The building- is finely located in one of the enter])rising business 
centers in Woodbury. 

G. F. Morris, the owner and proprietor of this business, is a 
Representative of the town in the present Legislature, and a mer- 
chant of more than thirty years' experience. During eleven years he 
was in partnership with George M. Allen of Hjotchkissville, and 
was associated with L. E. Dawson of North Wo(idbury for nnie 
years, holding also the office of postmaster. 

On November i, 1893, the present location was established, and 
the extensive building well stocked in all the different department- 
with all goods needed to meet the requirements of the locality. The 
patrons of this business include the residents of this and the ad- 
joining towns. Hobart Morris, his son, has been identified witii 
the business for several years. 

NovEMiiEK 28, 1900. — Almost a hundred years ago Bryant wrote 
of ''the continuous woods where rolls the ( )regon, and hcar'^ no 
sound save its own dashing." It is hard to realize the changes 
which the century has produced in this land which then ■seemed so 
far away, but now is simply a stepping stone to the furth.cr West, 
where 'neath Summer skies now float the Stars and Stripes. 

Here are still, vast tracts of "continuous woods" almost untouched 
bv the woodman's axe. l'>ut within the region of which i^)ryant 
wrote has occurred a wondrous transformation. Here are immensi, 
wheat fields and ])asture lands: here are great orchards of apiilc, 
pear, peach, cherry and prune trees. Here are gardens filled with 
choicest roses, dift'erent varieties blooming almost the whole year 
through. Here are cities already reaching out for commerce be- 
yond the Pacific. Here are manufacturing and mining interests 
which promise great things for the future. Here are l^eauties an-l 
wonders of nature viewed no longer by savages alone, but by an 
increasing number of true lovers of nature. There is Multnomah 
Falls where one of the tributaries of the Columbia pours its waters 
down a rock wall 8^0 feet high, in full view of the traveler by rail- 



324 THE TOWN AND I'KOl'LE 

road or steamboat. There is IVIt. Hood, 10,000 feet, in heig-ht, its 
top clad in perpetual snow, better known, but not more wonderful 
than other Oregon mountains. Just east of the Cascades is Crater 
Lake, a lake six miles long- and four miles wide, lyino: in the crater 
of an ancient volcano. 

Oregon with such varied and abundant resources, is nearly once 
and a half as large as all New England; and the Oregon country, 
including Washington and Idaho, is almost four times as large as 
New England. That this country, an empire in itself, belongs to- 
day to the United States instead of to Great Britain, is largely due 
to the heroism of the patriot-missionary, Marcus Whitman, who, 
leaving home and friends and work, braving the dangers of almost 
impassable mountains, wild beasts and wilder men, made a journey 
of 3,000 miles in the dead of Winter, over mountains, across plains, 
through rivers filled with floating ice, against hindrances sufficient 
to daunt any but the bravest, he pressed on to Washington. 

After enlisting the interest of the President and others in his plan 
to save Oregon, he started on his return trip, and ere twelve months 
had jiassed from the beginning of his trip he led 1,000 settlers into 
the Oregon country (in 1843), ^"^^ three or four years later he had 
the satisfaction of knowing that his toil had not been in vain. Like 
Lincoln, he paid for his fidelity with his life in 1847. ^^^^ '"^ example 
is an inspiration to all who know and heed it. — ]]licrc Rolls Ihc 
Oregon. 

RosEv.vKC. OrK(^.on. Ctt.\rlivS T. Whittlesey. 

C. T. Whittlesey was born at Roxbury. Conn. (Cood Hill). 
Se])tember 21. 1858. After studying at I'arker Academy. Wood- 
burv. he entered Amherst College, where he took the degree of A. 1). 
cum laiidc, in 1883. He taught one year in South Berkshire Insti- 
tute. Xew Marlboro, M .ss.. then entered Yale Divinity School, tak- 
ing the degree of B. D. in 1887. He was ordained at Carrington. 
North Dakota, October 7, 1887. From 1887 to 1891, he was pastor 
of the Plymouth Congregational Church at Portland, Oreg., where 
on May 27, i8()o, he married Miss Penelope R. Skinner of Rockford, 
111. From 1891 -1894 he was pastor at Pendleton, Oreg.. and from 



1894- i(S(/) at L51aine, Wash. His next residence was at Walla- 
Walla. Wash., where he held the position of county missionary. 

In September, 1899, he accepted the principalship of the Rose- 
burg- Academy, Roseburg, Oreg., which position he still holds. 

C. T. W. 

NoNK.Mi'.KK 29, 1900. — On this Thanksgiving morning, I recall 
many scenes and faces connected with my dear old home in Wood- 
Innw. where we annually prepared for the home-coming of the 
many loved ones, most of whom, with their families, were expected 
to the gathering. I was the youngest of nine childern, of these, 
only two are now living, the others with their parents, having gone 
to their Heavenly home, where with our Father and Elder Brother, 
we hope to spend an eternal Thanksgiving, an un]:)roken family. 
In my childhood home, aside from school and household duties, the 
care of my aged grandmother, Mrs. Orphany Teeple, a centenarian, 
devolved upon me. In the care of this sainted grandmother, my 
first dutv in the morning was to assist her in performing her morn- 
ing ablutions, leading her to her usual place for bathing, she pre- 
ferring to bathe her own face and hands, and then guiding her to 
her customary place by the fire, where my mother had prepared her 
morning meal. Before leaving her room in the morning, she would 
open her window and reach out her hands to ascertain the .state of 
the weather, and her first question invariably was, "Is it clear or 
cloudy?" One morning, to change the monotony, and also for my 
own amusement, I sprinkled water over her hand, that she might 
think it rained, but the question was asked as usual, and although I 
had acted a falsehood, I could not, "like George Washington," tell 
one, and replied, "It was clear." "Why," she remarked, "T 
thought it rained." I was always ashamed, and never attem])ted to 
deceive her again. I was accustomed to lead her daily out of doors 
and around the yard for exercise, often calling upon Mrs. Betts, 
who lived opposite. She was always deeply interested in the read- 
ing of the local news and in the letters from friends near and far- 
away. As a child, these duties were irksome, but as I became older, 
it was a source of pleasure to me, to see her hajjpy. After returning 



326 Till-; I'oUX AM) I'KOI'LE 

from church on the Sabbath, where we liad "all day service." 1 was 
expected to read to her the texts for the day and some portion of 
Scripture, usually from the Psalms, with which she was very familiar. 
At certain passages she would say : "Rev. Fosdick Harrison preached 
from that verse." or "Rev. Mr. Isham spoke from that verse at Mr. 

's funeral." The 123d Psalm was a favorite one, we usually 

finished with that selection. Her faith in God was strong- and the 
memory of her is blessed. ( )ne year ago 1 returned to the old home, 
after manv years absence, strongly desiring to see the familiar faces 
and visit the scenes of my childhood. 1 visited "The Rocks," now 
Woodbury Park, where I had spent so many happy hours, finding 
manv changes. I brought from there a "Souvenir," an "old hen," I do 
not recollect the botanical name, which I hope ere another Summer, 
will bring forth chickens. I hope Mrs. Shove will pardon the theft. 

There are manv pleasant memories in connection with the First 
Congregational Church and Sunday School. My first attendance 
at the latter, was through Mrs. Charles Strong, Sr., then Elizabeth 
Preston. My first teacher, the Superintendent of the School, was 
Philo M. Trowbridge, whose name and life are familiar to all; these 
names will alwavs be held in lasting remembrance. 1 well remem- 
ber a sermon preached In- Rev. Mr. Pierce, who later removed to 
Ohi(j, the many precious ones by Rev. R. G. Williams, afterward 
Captain of Woodbury Regiment, and never, will the untiring efforts 
to save souls, by Rev. Charles E. Robinson, be forgotten. 

( )n my recent visit home, I missed one face in particular, that of 
David S. Bull, a sincere true friend, whose genial welcome with 
the "How do you do stranger," was always sure. He wdll be greatly 
missed by many, but has gone to his reward. My school days have 
manv pleasant memories. I have several liooks given me as prizes, 
which I have always valued. 

.X'oRTHFoRD, Conn. Emily Hull Hakkisox. 



WOUDBURV, CONNPCCTICLJT 327 



NovEMHEK 30, igoo. 



I've crossed the country many times, from cither shore to shore; 

I've heard the smooth Atlantic sing, the fierce Pacific roar ; 

I've scaled the snow-topped Rockies, and I've dragged the weary i)lains. 

Absorbed New England sunshine and the long Pacific rains: 

I've slept in Kansas dug-outs and in cabins at the mines. 

in mansions in the cities and in tepees 'mong the pines. 

But in all the land so rich and wide where I have chanced to roam. 

There's not a spot so dear to me as my New England home. 

In that vine-embosomed cottage the laughing hrook runs by. 
Where roses clamber over walls of stone. 
My father and my mother wait the boy with restless eye. 
The roamer from that dear New England home. 

The orange groves are dear to me — my wife lies Iniried there ; 

And out upon the western slope, there sleeps a baby fair ; 

They've lovely homes in Iowa, the garden of the world, 

Whose cob-webbed railroads spread good cheer where'er the flag's unfurled 

And all across the nation's home, like eggs within a nest. 

Fair mansions and white cottages with happy children blessed, 

But when Thanksgiving time rolls round, where'er my feet may roam, 

I turn me. happy-hearted, to my dear New England home. 

In that vine-embo.somed cottage, the laughing brook runs by. 

Where roses clamber over walls of stone, 

I linger, and I linger, for it's next to heaven tn Ik- 

So happy in my dear New England home. 

— My Dear New liiiglaiul Home. 

Chicago, III., 6,322 Drexel Avenue. W. N. Hull, A. M. 



DECEMBER. 

I )1'Xi;-\ii;I';k i, looo. — The history of tlic Metliochst I-lpiscopal 
diurch of W oo(lhiiry, for the last liun<h"c<l xt-ars, lias centered on 
tile .i^round now owned and occupied h\ that v^ocietw We learn 
from Cothren's llistory of \\dodhin-_\ , that ""In lySt) C'onnecticnt 
was \'isited h\ Jesse Lee. who laid here, as elsewhere in New Ent^- 
land. the foundations of .Methodism." Also that "In i/tjo Rev. 
v^amuel \\'i,ii"don preached the hrst Methodist sermon e\er heard in 
W oo.ll)ury, under the rock where the .Masonic Hall now stands," 
and some time hetween that date and iSoo, the hrst Methodist 
"class" was formed. At what exact date is not positively known. 
hut ])revious to 1812, l^lijah Sherman. Sr.. known as "Father Sher- 
man," became dissatisfied with the l'".])iscopal Church, joined the 
.Methodist denomination, and became very active and zealous in 
advancing its interests. In i<St2 he was ajjpointed the hrst re.ci'ular 
"(.'lass Leader," the several ministers wdio had officiated here, hav- 
int^- ])revionsl\ fulfilled that office. His home was the house now 
owned hy the .Methodist Societ\, and used as its parsonao"e. The 
e.xact date of its erection is lost, l-ul the ancient ^rain bins and 
"smoke house" in the i^arret. attest to its j^reat ag'e, and it is prol)- 
able that it was built ])revious to 1800. .\fter his appointment as 
"Class Leader," if not before, his "Ioul;' kitchen" liecame the place 
for all the meetings of the .\k'thodists. and was so used until the 
erection of the first Church, in 1824. on the site of the ])resent edifice. 
hA'en after the church was built, the class and social meeting's were 
still held at Mr. Sherman's home, until the building- of the present 
clun"ch, in 1840. In 1832, Rev. l\a])hael Cilbert was ap])ointed as 
settled |)astor of the church in WOodburx. Iletore that date, the 
church had been part of a "Circuit." or munber of feeble churches, 
served in turn by one minister, who travelled from ])lace to place as 
occasion required. In 1838, the Society was reorganized under the 



\\(i()l)i;i U\\ lON XHCTJC'l'l' 329 

laws of ihc State, and applied to the (7eneral Conference to be made 
a "Station." which privilege it has ever since enjoyed. 

In (October. 1838, the first stove was purchased for the Church, 
in December, 1838, it was "\'oted that we build a House of Wor- 
ship, respectable and convenient for our congTegation," and a build- 
ing committee was appointed, viz.. Messrs. Harmon Judson, Famum 
Patchen and Elmore judson. In January. 1839, it was "N'oted that 
the btiilding committee contract with a res])onsible man, to build a 
house of worship for the Al. K. Church in this ])]ace, with a base- 
ment of as good materials and workmanship, as the Congregational 
Church in Roxbury, which church, above the basement, shall be taken 
as a model. exce]M that the desk, altar, breastwork of gallery and 
tower and window blinds be modeled after those of the M. E. 
Church m Danbur)-." The new church was to be built on the site 
of the old one so the latter was removed to the Green, across the 
street, where it stood for some time unused, and later was bought 
by Mr. l{lmore ludson. and moved south to its present location. 
It was used for a while as a schoolroom and tenement, and later 
as a hotel, which purpose it still serves. The new church was 
dedicated April 9, 1840, Elder Heman Bangs. olTiciating. It faced 
Main Street, entrance being gained by two Hights of .steps uniting 
at a platform before the door. In 1846. a i)art of the Sherman 
house was rented for a parsonage, and so used until 1863, when the 
Societv bought for a parsonage, the house now owned by Mrs. 
Harriet Bacon. In 1861, the Clun-ch steps were replaced l)y a single 
flight of fifteen steps, ascending directly before the door. In the 
Winter of 1874 and 1875, the town was blessed with a great revival. 
It began in the ^I. E. Church, and extended to all the others, and 
each of the four churches received large additions. In 1876, it 
was decided to enlarge and otherwise change the Church, and a 
committee was appointed for that purpose, viz.. W. N. Shelton, J. 
B. Burton and George Saxton. More land was needed, so the whole 
"Sherman property," comprising soiree four acres, with house and 
barn, was purchased. The Church was turned around, so as to face 
south, twenty-one feet in length added, the side galleries removed, 
new seats and pulpit furnishings put in. at a cost of about $5,000, 



330 THE TOWN AND PKOPLE 

In 1877, the first parsonage was sold, since which time, the present 
one has been used. In 1881, two acres of the land was sold, and in 
1895, another piece, including the barn, and a new barn was built. 
The same year the Society built a cottage on the Plainville Camp 
Ground. In 1896, the interior of the Church was again renovated, 
a ceiling of wood replacing the wall, the sidewalls being papered. 
In 1899, a new furnace was put in, the cost, $100, being generously 
paid by Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Burton. At the same time a kitchen 
for the L. A. Society was arranged in the basement and early in 
1900, the class room was renovated. In the Fall of 1900 the pastor. 
Rev. R. R. Reynolds, was obliged by ill-health to resign, and re- 
move to New Mexico. A remarkable fact in connection with tlie 
Church should be noted, that of the thirty-seven pastors who have 
served the Church, not one has died here, and but one death in a 
pastor's family has occurred here, that of Mrs. J. Brien in the 
Summer of 1895. 

Pastors of the Methodist Episcopal Church o^ Woodbm-y. Conn. : 

Raphael Gilbert, served 1832 — 1833. 
Aaron S. Hill, served 1834 — 1835. 
H. Hatfield, served 1836. 
Edmund O. Bates, served 1837. 
J. B. Beach, served 1838 — 1839. 
L. C. Cheney, served 1840. 
O. \^. Ammerman, served 1841. 
William Thatcher, served 1842^1843. 
Gad S. Gilbert, served 1844 — 1845. 
I.. D. Nickersf)n, served 1846 — 1847. 
George A. Hubbell, served 1848 — 1849. 
Stephen Rushmore, served 1850 — 1851. 
Charles Kelsey, served 1852. 
Cephas Brainard, served 1853. 
Alonzo Pulling, served 1854 — 1855. 
Isaac Sanford. served 1856 — 1857. 
Friend W. Sniitli. served 1858 — 185c). 
George Dunliar. served i86o — 1861. 
W. Silverthorn, served 1862. 
1). W. Louns1)ury. served 1863. 
Joseph Pullman, served 1864 — 1866. 
Spencer H. Bray. ser\ed 1867. 



wooDiuK^ . coxNKcricuT 331 

Benjamin A. (iihnan. served 1869 — 1870. 

A. V. R. Abbott, served 1871-1873. 

Joseph Vinton, served 1874 — 1876. 

William Brown, served 1877 — 1878. 

George A. Hubbell, served 1879. 

Benjamin Pillsbury, served 1880 — 1881. 

Arthur McNicholl, served 1882— 1884. 

H. Q. Judd. served 1885— 1887. 

F. J. Shackleton. served 1888— 1889. 

S. A. Sands, served 1890. 

R. S. Putney, served 1891. 

A. S. Hagerty, served 1892 — 1894. 

John Brien, served 1895 — 1897. 

R. R. Reynolds, served i8g8 — igoo. 

J. H. Lockwood. served 1901. 

Woodbury. Conn. George Saxton. 

Dkckmi'.Kr 2, 1900. — In the Autumn of 1898, it was decided to 
open in Parker Academy building, a temporary School of Higher 
Grade, which should give further instruction to such pupils as, 
having previously attended Parker Academy or the Wyckofif Young 
Ladies" Seminary, desired to continue their education, and also 
to such pupils of the previously ungraded pul)lic schools as would 
be qualified to do. what is ordinarily understood by seyenth and 
eighth grade, or grammar school work. The Town School Com- 
mittee engaged the writer as principal, and Miss Dora Smith of 
New York as assistant. As this school occupied an important 
transition place in the educational history of the town, as well as 
the central place in the writer's mind and heart while in the town, 
it mav be well that what he says, be upon this subject. 

Some eightv pupils, of various ages and attainments, were 
crowded in the lower room, on a Tuesday forenoon, when the writer 
entered the building. With the assistance, and under the direction 
of Mrs. X. M. Strong-, the Acting School A'isitor, and Prof. E. S. 
Boyd, of the School Board, the School was organized, and on 
Wednesday afternoon began doino- rcnilar work, the seventh and 
eighth crrades down stairs under Miss Smith, the ninth and tenth 
up stairs, taught bv the principal. For some six weeks all in- 



^^3- I'lK lOWN AND FKOI'Uv 

stniction had tn ))c oral, as the books tor the new curricuhim did 
not arrive until about that time. While this made attainment 
slower, it also made it more thoronj^^h. and it is prol)able that a 
firmer foundation was laid than woidd have been in circumstances 
seeming-ly more favorable. 

Out of the man}' thinj^s that mij.;ht be written about the School, 
it is ditticult to select, but it may he said first, that it was a merry 
school. The pupils had a j^ood time, and the teachers wanted 
them to have it. Not that the\' were not well behaved, for they 
were, and considerate and sympathetic toward their teachers, often 
to a tlegree far beyond their years. Hut school was not to them 
a dull place. Wit was encouraged, jokes were laug'hed at, keen- 
ness was applauded, and humor and hai)i)iness were recognized as 
having their appropriate place in education. 

It was a g'ood-looking" school. There was a marked contrast 
between the somewhat dilapidated building and the fresh young" 
faces and energetic forms of the students, which found frequent 
expression in the words of visitors. 

Tt was a bright school. Several of the pupils might ])roperly 
l)e termed brilliant, and there were very few that did not have 
good ability. AJost of them also worked conscientiously. Some 
had to be advised to g'uard against overwork. Frequently exam- 
ination ])a])ers were passed in, that would have done credit to 
students in an\- college. 

It was an .\merican school. Where the troUev and railroad 
enter, all races become intermingled, but this school was old Xew 
Engfland stock, or such as had been ])racticall\- assimilated to it. 
'J'o one who has been familiar with the heterogeneous cit_\- scho;)ls, 
it is a treat to look upon a school of this kind. 

It was a loyal school. The pupils stood by their teachers. 
They a]:)preciated the eft'erts of their instructors, and bore witness 
to that ai)])reciation in many ways. The loval ])U]nl \v\\] make a 
loyal citizen and friend. Given a fair head, a loyal heart will en- 
sure a worthy issue to life. The qualities of those whom the 
writer was ])rivi!eged to instruct, lead him to believe the\- will have 
a useftd future. He bones man\- went on in the fulh' -raded 



scliool. J'>ut thcrt' was one, and onl}- one temporary School. In 
that, lie was privileged to touch certain youn^- lives. He hopes it 
was tor heneht. not harm. In memory he sees them now as they 
j,at before him in study and recitation, and as he gazes on their loyal 
faces his heart ^lows with grateful emotion. 

There were man\ kind heli)ers. The Chemistr_\ address hy Rev. 
Mr. WyckotT, the mineralogical pa])er hy .Mrs. X. M. Stong, the 
encouraging suggestions hy Re\'. Mr. Reynolds, the donation of ice 
when the hot weather made slud\- tedious, the attendance oi well- 
wishers at the rhetoricals, and other jtleasant memories, all add to 
the picture, which must not he enlarge<l. of the temporary School 
of lligiier ('.rade of the Town of W Ihurw 

h;.\SToN, Conn. W'm- -M. W'i'.i'.ks. 

Dkckmukk 3, 1900. — 

There are no times like the "good old limes." whicli sunie of us remember. 
When birds of Spring, were on the wing — (Alas! 'tis now December!) 
When "Pkkk"* and Kelly kept hotel, and Cramkr "called " for dances. 
When rides and balls, and walks and calls were full of sweet romances! 

When Lyceums and Singing Schools had not gone out of fashion: 
When beaux and belles, not flirts and swells, cherished the tender passion; 
When moonlight walks upon the "Rocks," from June until November, 
Were all the rage^dt seems an age!) — but some of us remember! 

When Phelps and Cothrex and N.vr Smith and Li^.wis were ih' attorneys; 
When the "old stage" from Hotchkissville did make its daily journeys 
To Seymour— when the "\\'hitlock boys" lived in the Mitchell mansion. 
And flying feet oft chased the hours to Music's soft e\|)ansion. 

At Lum',s- in Oxford: when "T. M."t and LooMis were the teachers: 
And Churchill, Curtiss, ^^'ooDRUFE and Williams were the preachers; 
When Webb and Faikchhj), Y)k. Shove and Atwood cured diseases; 
And David Bull sold calicoes, and groceries and cheeses. 

When Woodruff and George Allen dealt in powders, pills and piasters: 
And Woodbury not yet had felt the woe of Bank disasters: 
When Heman Botsford photographed, and Thomas Bull tried cases. 
And Parson Bacon ran a school and preached in di\-ers places. 



334 TiiK TUWX AND TEOPLE 

When Peck and Beakhslev "kept"' up-town, and Boughton's ringing hammer 
The "Village Smithy's" place revealed with ear-provoking clamor: 
When Lewis kept a tinner's shop, and Chapin tinkered watches, 
And Pomperaug had not yet heard the railways rumbling coaches. 

When "Uncee BEN."i was postman 'twixt Woodb'ry and the City, 
And carried money to the bank regardless of banditti ; 
When Betts and Lathrop kept saloons, and Gordon was the tanner. 
And Atwoods "sued" in Nonnewaug after the usual manner. 

How long it seems back to the days when those of whom I've written. 
Lived on the street, the brave old street, from Woodb'ry to South Britain ! 
In those old times, those "good old times," when all was gay and rosy, — 
(Alas! that all things now-a-days should be so dull and prosy!) 

Where is that gay and jovial band§ mtent on Love and Pleasure, 

With whom I joined in many a game, trod many a festive measure. 

Of "eight hands round." "forward and back,"' and "up and down the middle," 

To lengthened sweetness long drawn out from flute, and horn, and fiddle ! 

When Music sweet, with twinkling feet, made Beauty's charms entrancing; 
When cares were laid upon the shelf and love-lit eyes were dancing : 
When "forward eight," and "all promenade" the prompter loud did cal?, 
Alas ! the daylight came too soon to close the Oxford ball ! 

Old age has brought the "evil days" — (would I might ne'er l)egin them!) 
The "evil days" of which we say, "I have no pleasure in them."" 
The "strong men bow themselves," alas! "the almond-tree doth flourish,'" 
But those young days, those happy days, (Die heart shall ever cherish. 

'Tis ever thus. When Life has fled, and when our sun's declining, 
We all look back to that blest time when it began its shining. 
The brightest days that meet our gaze; the best, the sweetest joys. 
Fate e'er has dealt, are those we felt when we were girls and boys. 

Too sweet to last, those days are past, the "good old times"" are ended ; 
Our youthful follies still are sweet, now, when our days are mended. 
And he who sings, as Memory brings, those happy days to mind. 
Sheds bitter tears o'er those sweet years, the days of "Auld Lang Syne !"' 

Woodbury in the Pieties. A. N. Lewis. 

[The above was first published in the Waterbury American.] 

*. Perkins. J. Benjamin Doolittle. §. The "Whitlock boys,"' Charlie 



WOODBLKV, CONNECTICUT 335 

Ed., Fred., Walt., A. N. Lewis, Rebecca r.acon. Sue Candee, Sally (Lewis) 
Smith of "Kettle Town," Julia Downs, Maria Phelps, Cornelia Belts, and 
others whose names are forgotten, f. T M. Thompson. 

December 4, 1897. — All classes and conditions of i)eoi)le have 
their traditions and legends. Look where }ou will, all countries 
and races from the remotest time, and now, in our own town we 
have our traditions. Is it not so? We have them, say what you 
will, and they are so interwoven with our lives that it is dilhcult to 
separate truth from the legends. 

Roving tribes, of a copper-colored race, were found here by the 
first explorers, and it is not known how the country was peopled. 
The different tribes were called by various names, but almost all 
belonged to two great families, the Algonquin and Iroquois. Most 
of the tribes were divided into clans, each having a chief or sachem, 
without written laws, but ruled by customs and traditions. 

]^Iany of the tribes, of the North American Indians, relate in 
legend that the human race was destroyed by a deluge, and the 
gods, to repeople the earth, changed animals into men. A traveler 
tells us this tradition. Formerly, the father of the Indian tribes 
lived toward the rising sun. Being warned in a dream that a 
deluge was coming to destroy the earth, he constructed a raft, on 
which he saved himself and all animals. He floated many months, 
and the animals, which then had the power of speech, complained 
against him. At last a new earth appeared, when he stepped down 
on it with all those creatures, who from that time, lost their power 
of speech as a punishment for murmuring against him. The 
Seneca Indians have a superstition, that, when a young maiden dies, 
they imprison a young bird before it tries its powers of song, then, 
loading it with caresses, they let it loose over her grave, believing 
that the bird will not close its eyes or fold its wings, till it has flown 
to the spirit land and delivered its inessage. In some localities the 
crow was regarded as a sacred bird. The Indians had a tradition 
that the crow brought their first corn to them from Kiehtan, who 
lived in the Southwest. Their belief in the Great Spirit, and many 
allusions to it, are most touching and beautiful ; also those referring 



i^i,i> THE TOWN AMD PKOPl,K 

to the Stars, winds, birds and flowers so chamiin_e;-lv interwoven 
in the song" of Hiawatha. Every place visited by them received 
a name, topographical or historical, preserving" the meoKjry of a 
g"reat Sachem, a battle, or a feast. Then again, it indicated some 
natural product of the place, or the animals which resorted thither. 
We liave many such names in our vicinity. How many moun- 
tains and other localities derived their name from some leg"end? It 
is said, that the Indians living near the White Mountains in New 
Hampshire never ascended them, believing" the gods resided there, 
shown in the clouds, winds and other manifestations. They sup- 
posed that the invisible inhabitants would resent any intrusion 
into their sacred precincts. We are so familiar with the tradition 
connected with Bethel Rock it seems unnecessary to re])eat it. 

The ancient Sagamore Womoqui, whose lodge and wigwams of 
warriors were near the Nonnewaug Falls, was deeply saddened 
at the thought of parting with his hunting" grounds and lands, 
where his people had roamed in freedom long before the paleface 
appeared in these regions. He could see the western march of 
the nati(ins, his people becoming forgetful of his cnunsels. fewer 
in numbers, the fires on their hearths burning low, and the re- 
maining ones joining the onward trend to distant regions. ( )ne 
l)eautiful vSpring morning" the aged Sagamore came from the door- 
wax of his lodge and stood near the head of the upper cascade. 
The air was filled with freshness, the sun shone brightly through 
the trees and upon the sparkling waters below, while a cool in- 
vigorating breeze lightlv stirred the leaves of the forest about him. 
He seemed thoughtfully to be looking far into the future, the 
sublime notes of his reqtiiem are wafted over the valley, the spirit 
of the waters beckons to liim, he cast himself int(t tlie foaming 
torrent, and find his resting ])lace among his warriors by the side 
of the "misty waters." 

We have also the traditions regarding" other chiefs in this locality, 
who lived some years, after the white men became owners of this 
section of country, l)y rightful ])urchase from the Indians. Castle 
Rock was said to l)e P'omperaug's fortress, and one of the chain 
of "riuarditiij- Heiidits." Mount Toni in fjtchfield being another 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 337 

link, 1)\ whicli all the tril)es on tlie Housatunic River could com- 
iminioatc in two liours, throui^h a system of si^iials and cries — a 
primitive loni>- distance telephone. 

The Indian traditions and legends are numberless. 1 have onl}- 
gathered a few, but perhaps enough to show their beauty and 
variety. They may be traditions, but man\ truths can l)e gathered 
from them. — Indian Traditions and Legends. 
Woman's Clui;, Woodbury. Cokx. Katukkim'. M. Woodri fi'\ 

Deckmi'.kk 5, Hpo. — Probably, most men can ^ive a reason for 
their choice of a profession or trade. It was ni}- childish notion 
to call mvself Doctor, and to administer small doses of salt in 
water, to my little brother and playmates who feigned illness, l)ut 
recovered rapidly under my care. I can distinctlx remember mak- 
ing a resolve when about eight years old that I would be a Doctor 
sometime. The cause of this resolution was an accident to one of 
our young chickens, resulting in a fracture of its leg. Dr. At- 
wood applied splints securely to the leg, and the chicken's youth 
and tendency to recuperate, did the rest. It grew up with a strong 
and useful leg. To me. it was a wonderful proceeding, and ihe 
desire to do a similar service for the human race. In-ought out mv 
bovish resolution. As a preliminary to carrying out my resolve, 
I left m\- home at the age of fourteen, taking, all my worldl\' gO(Kls 
in a moderate sized carpet bag, and began a xear's service with 
Hon. William Cothren. My duties varied, but my privilege and 
pleasure was to attend school at Parker Acadeni}-, during the 
Winter months. After a year, full of new ex])eriences, 1 took a 
step across the way, to try my hand as tinsmith, an apprentice to 
Mr. F. F. Hitchcock. Here my arrangements were such as to 
allow me to attend school in the Winter. Another year passed 
quickly, and I went to live at Dr. L. Y. Ketcham's, studying medi- 
cine, and reading Latin with instruction Ijy Rev. A. P. Powelson. 
Time flies quickly, and I leave Dr. L. Y. Ketcham to become an 
embryo drug clerk with Mr. N. M. Strong, still continuing the 
studv of Latin. At the end of the year I took a similar i)()sition 
with Dr. L. Y. Ketcham, mv instructfir. who had recentl\ ])ur- 



33^ I'HE TOWX AND PEOPLE 

chased the down-town Drug Store, and also had charge of the Post 
Office. This was my last year of waiting for the mysterie? of 
Medical College life and work. 

During the three years at the College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons in New York I worked harder than ever before or after- 
ward. Many of my fellow students were doing the same. How- 
ever, it was worth the while, if only to make me appreciate the 
cost of that which gave me the greatest pleasure in my experience, 
my diploma. 

Then came responsibilities of a different nature. Hospital life, 
with opportunities to study in living subjects, what had been sucl" 
interesting reading in the Medical College. After a year and a 
half of most interesting and instructive work, my time of service 
expired, and I entered upon real practice as a physician, and as- 
sistant to the late Dr. S. Fleet Spier of Brooklyn, being located 
at Itay Ridge. True to my previous experiences, excepting in 
College and Hospital, I remained but one year with Dr. Spier. 
Since October lo. 1894, I have remained at anchor and probably 
will continue, until old age creeps upon me. 

I should like to say to the present and future sons of Woqc'.bury, 
that no obstacle is too great to prevent their sure progress to success. 
Poverty or obscurity of birth may handicap, but not prevent you 
from being leaders in the race to success. 

A college education gives polish, but brains count more, if coupled 
with honest determination. Boys of the coming generations, how 
I should like to encourage \ou when the goal seems far away. I 
am j^roud to think of so many Woodbury boys, some of them 
schoolmates of mine, who are filling responsible positions in life, 
and, from what I know of their experiences, it leads me to say to 
the boys of the future, as well as to those now struggling for suc- 
cess, have a high ideal for your future in life and don't be dis- 
couraged. 

l'..\^• Rinc.E, Brooklyn, N. Y. Bruce G. Black.alvr. M. D. 

December 5. 1900. — In looking over some old letters. I find one 
from my brother. Dr. Bruce Gould Blackmar, now a practicing 



WOUDIUKV, CONNECTICUT 339 

physician in I'ay Ridge. The letter was written in 1886, while he 
lived at Dr. Ketcham's : "I am enjoying good health, while Dr. 
Ketcham is ohliged to stay in the house, where he has heen since 
Tuesday afternoon, hut he is a little hetter to-day. Rev. Mr. 
Powelson advises nie to study Latin, and I am going to let the grass 
wither in the fields or the trees stop bearing fruit, before I will give 
it up. Mr. Powelson says he will help me all he can, so that 1 can 
commence this Fall with the class in school. He seems to think 
that it will be much better for me to do, than to be without a 
knowledge of Latin, which I have all the necessary time to learn. 
I can have time to prepare myself for two years, before entering 
a Medical College, and graduate thoroughly qualified for practice." 

Dr. Blackmar was born and brought up in Woodbury, and not 
long after the age of twenty-three, was graduated at the College 
of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City. After a year and 
a half of practice at Charity Hospital, Blackwell's Island, and a 
year with the late Dr. Samuel Fleet Spier of Brooklyn, he located 
in Bay Ridge, a suburb of Brooklyn, where he has succeeded in 
building up a fine practice. His office is in the pleasant home, 
which he owns and occupies. 

Woodbury, Conx. Flora A. Blackmar. 

Deckmp.KR 6, 1900. — The Pomperaug Valley Golf Club was or- 
ganized in the Fall of 1899 with about thirty members. Grounds 
were immediately secured, put in condition as rapidly as possible 
and playing began at once. During the present season of 1900, the 
Club has been constantly growing until now its membership num- 
bers about fifty. 

Its constitution says: "The object of this Club shall be to en- 
courage out-door sports, and maintain for its members, proper 
grovmds and facilities for jilaving the game of golf." In endeavor- 
ing to accomplish this the officers from the beginning have put 
forth every effort to make it an organization for the majority, so that 
any one, regardless of class or means, can enjoy the benefits to be 
derived from it. 

Golf, as a s]:)ort and healthful recreation, is too old, and at the 



.u<» 



Ti4K I'OWN AM) I'l'.ol'l.l'; 




\\(U)|)i;i K\. I. (t.\ N KCTICLT . 341 

present time too well known, to have any explanations made as to 
the reason of its existenee, and Woodbury, ever in the van of pure 
athletic sports, was not >low. once the g"ame became understood, 
in recot^nizing- the importance of a golf course wdthin her borders. 
Baseball and footliall have their enthusiasts, who can hold their 
own a^^'ainst teams of an\ town in this section of the State, and 
have broui^iit victories untold to the ancient village, but these are 
g'ames which few can ])lay and the remainder must watch, while 
golf enables anyone, old or )oung, of cither sex. to share in its many 
benefits. 

The links are laid out rm a territor\- of a hundred acres, more 
or less, rented for the iiurjiose. King along the banks of the <)ld 
historic I'omperaug River, a short ('istance soutb of the beautiful 
I'omperaug- Falls, which our late historian. William Cothren. once 
mentii)ned in the fi>lli>wing verses: 

( )iir \\'i)odl)ury teems 

Witli wild rushing streams. 

Her forest clad mountains among: 

But greater than all 

Is Pomperaug's Fall. 

The poets have hitherto sung. 

In right merry glee 
On its course to the >ca. 
It knows no obstruction or liound : 
But has its sweet will. 
Mid valley and hill. 
Till it merges itself in the S<iiuid. 

llill. valley, river. ])ond. rock, wood, and meadow are so charm- 
ingly intermingled as to make it one of the most attractive places 
along the X'alley, and with them, nature has formed such aggravat- 
ing, yet pleasing, "hazards" and "bunkers," that experts pronounce 
it one of the most natural and "sporty" courses in the Country. 
The surrounding scenery causes astonishment to one unacquainted 
with the place. If he be a lover of nature's forms and garbs, it is 
no wonder that, as he breaks over the first hill top, he forgets for 
a moment his desire to begin his game of golf and stops in amaze- 



34-' 



TUK TOWN AND PKOI'LIC 



ment to gaze with admiration upon the variety of scenes whicli the 
surrounding country presents to his view. 

Many thanks are due from the Cluh to the various members, 
who have taken such an active interest in its formation and in its 
welfare since its birth, and to the few from our sister towns who 
so wilHngly gave their assistance at the time of its organizaton. 

The Golf Club is a credit to the old town and adds one more to 
her many attractions. 

The present ollicers and committees of the Golf Club are : 

President, Hon. A. D. Warner. 

I'lcc-Pirsidciit. Hon. A. W. Mitchell. 

Secretary, Henry S. Hitchcock. 

Treasurer, Samuel C. Tomlinson. 

Fifth Member of Board of Trustees. R. F. Stiles. 

Greens Committee. C. A. Curtiss. Chairman: Hon. A. W. Mitchell, R. F. 
Stiles. 

Handicap Committee, S. C. Tomlinson. Chairman; Hon. A \V. Mitchell. 
Miss Jennie Hinman. 

Captain. S. C. Tomlinson. 



WooDBUKV. Conn. 



Hknky S. Hitchcock. Secretary. 



December 7, 1900. — 



POMPERAUG RIVER. 



Whence dost thou come or whither go? 
Methinks it were a pleasant spot 
Where thou vvert born so long ago ; 
Hai)i)\' api)ears to he thy lot. 

Out trom the craggy mountain's sick- 
In playful attitude you speed. 
With laughter through the valley glide: 

Oh ! ha])py is thy lot indeed. 



Time's wily iiand no wrinkles trace. 
Thy voice by grief has ne'er been seared 
No sorrow stami)e(l uixm thy face. 
(^v wail iif anguish ever iieard. 



WOODJ5LRV, COXXECTICIT 34^ 

Free as the sini that gilds the morn, 
Or moon that rules the darkened night, 
Nought from thy freedom o'er is shown, 
While sweeping onward in thy flight. 

The weary slag hot from tlu- cliase 
His fierce pursuers to evade ; 
Oft times has kissed thy placid face, 
Or in thy rippling waters wade. 

The campfires glow thy hosom tinged. 
As warriors round Chief Nonnewaug ; 
Where forest dense thy banks were fringed 
In council sat with Waraumaug. 

The eagle from his poise on high 
Scanned o'er thy hosom for his prey; 
The wild fowl with a frightened cry, 
W^ithin the shadows hid away. 

An ancient trail crossed o'er thy zone 

From Pootatuck to Nonnewaug : 

As tribute Indians placed a stone 

Upon the grave of Pomperaug. : 

Thy shady nooks, secluded spot 

Where members of the Orenaug trilx-; ; 

The speckled trout oft times have caught. 

Or incidents of the hunt describe. 

The lofty tree tops whispered low. 
The wild flowers nestled on thy breast ; 
Nature in all its pristine glow 
Rocked thee to slumber's tranquil rest. 

As o'er the trial with danger fraught. 
The keen-eyed Chief Wyantenuck. 
Thy flowing banks a crossing sought, 
To join his friends in Naugatuck. 

The sturdy oaks that clothed tlie hill. 
Obeisance to thy laughter made: 



344 



TIM'. TOWX AND I'I-'.UI'I.l; 



In later years l)y whiieman's skill. 
Has found nhlix-ion in llie glade. 

Where once llie hush of nature reigned, 
The l)usy mill clanks out its din. 
Thy tongue to a nohler song is trained. 
Man from thy power comforts win. 

How oft through shady dales I've S(Hight 
Thy smiling vivid welcome face. 
And from thy cheerful mood I've caught 
New thouglits that stirred my heart apace. 



And taught me to forget a wliile. 
The busy scenes of daily strife, 
With all its discord and turmoil 
Pertaining to this pleasant life. 



WooiinuKV. CoxN. 



Joseph Atchison. 




THE POMPERAUG RIVER BELOW THE FALLS. 



WUUDJiURY, COXNECTICL'T 345 

Dkc1':mj!Kk 8. u;oo. — My thoui;lits often wander to the old home 
in \\ est Side, the modest story and a half h(nise, standing: in the 
midst of an orchard, and 1 people the rooms with those who have 
long- aq;o entered the "beyond." The old lightnin"- rod still re- 
mains, b}- whose aid 1 climbed to the nook in the roof, to read 
surreptitiously some forbidden book, and from which vantage 
ground, glimpses could be had of the circus on the main road when 
it made its annual visit. The group of cherry trees, the row of 
peach trees by the garden fence, the sunny bank wdiere the "adder- 
tongue" grew, 1 see them all. The old red schoolhouse, with its 
legless stove and rickety pipe, where we shivered, wrapped in shawls, 
until recess on cold days, when Georgaphy was an easy matter wuth 
so much of the world unheard from, when we had two weeks' 
vacation in Summer, and school half a day on Sattirdays, and the 
teacher "boarded round," and the Russell lioys came to school with 
their jackets bulging with luscious greenings, the fortunate re- 
cipients of which, were besieged for "the core." The Sundays, 
with two long sermons, when I'arson Andrews pushed liack his 
spectacles at "seventeenthly" to settle the doctrines of foreordi- 
nation and predestination; the footstoves filled at noon wdth a few 
coals carefully covered with ashes, the "tw'isted cakes" and "meet- 
ing seed" to be nibbled while the elders gossiped, the notice of "a 
conference meeting at Brother George Drakeley's, Thursday even- 
ing at early candle lighting." But there ! My memory serves me 
too well. A generation and more have come and gone since then, 
and I, too, belong to "Ancient Woodliury," but still to me are dear, 

"Its rocks and its rills, its wood and tem])led hills." 
South Bkitaix, Coxx. Hattik Lem-mon Mitciikll. 

Deckmi'.Kr io, 1900. — I hear that there is to be published a col- 
lection of souvenir letters, from former and present residents of 
Woodbur}-. I remember that it was my home for forty-five years. 
That, certainly, is the best part of a man's life. As I look back 
to-dav and ask myself, wdiere are the friends of my childhood, my 
schoolmates of nearly half a century ago, the answer comes back 



34^ THE TOWN AXD PKOPLE 

to me. "Gone. o;one to the great beyond." A few are still left, but 
the majority are gone to join the "great majority." IJut the old 
town is still there. The same old hills, the same lovely valleys, 
the same babbling brooks, everything that goes to make it the most 
beautiful country town it has been my lot to look upon. To me 
no place will ever seem like home, but W'oodlniry. and I never 
think of any other place as home. 

When I left the town eleven years ago, I was familiar with the 
faces of most of the children in the central part of the town. Xow 
when I see them grown to manhood and womanhood, many of them 
surrounded by families, I realize how quickly the years are passing 
by and how soon the active ones of to-day will be laid to rest, and 
I ask myself the question, "Have we lived so that the town is the 
better for our having lived in it?" I do not know that Woodbury 
can boast of many great men, or mighty, liut thinking of her sons 
and daughters who have gone out into the world to fight the battles 
of life, I can recall a goodly number that are no disgrace to her. 
A goodly number of noble men and true, true to themselves, true 
to their fellowmen and to God. 

I remember that in the dark days of the Rebellion, when the 
call for men was heard, Woodbury's sons were not slow to answer. 
Bravely they fought, and fighting they fell, many of them, and 
to-day another generation reads their names on the granite shaft 
which their fellow citizens erected to their memory. 

All prosperity to old W'oodbury. 

Waterbury, Conn. Charles H. Percy. 

December 12, 1878. — On April i, 1833, Texas formed a consti- 
tution of her own as one of the Mexican State Republics. Two 
years later, the Mexican Congress abolished all State Constitutions 
and created a Dictator. A few months after this. Texas declared 
her independence, and in the war that ensued, Samuel Houston, 
the Texas General, defeated Santa Anna, the Mexican Dictator. 
While Santa Anna was a prisoner he signed a treaty acknowledging 
the independence of Texas. This was not recognized by Mexico. 
On the other hand the United States, and very soon England, 



\\■()ODBL•k^■, COXXECTICIT 347 

France and Belgium, did so. Texas wished to be annexed to the 
United States, and in 1837 ^^^'" minister asked that she be admitted 
into the Federal Union. After James K. Polk was elected President 
in 1845, the assent of Congress was gained and Texas became one 
of the United States. When Congress admitted Texas to the 
Union, the United States pledged herself to support the claims of 
Texas against Mexico.. The time had come when it became neces- 
sary that the interests of Texas should be protected, and in the 
Summer of 1845, President Polk ordered Zachery Taylor, who was 
stationed in Louisiana, to move forward and take possession of the 
land between Nueces and Rio Grande Rivers. He seized 
Corpus Christi at the mouth of the Nueces, remaining there until 
the following Spring. In March, 1846, General Taylor received 
word to march forward again, as far as the Rio Grande. Soon after, 
Taylor fortified Point Isabel, continuing his march to the River, which 
he reached on March 28, 1846. As soon as the encampment was 
made. General North crossed the Mexican side for an interview. He 
was met by one of their Generals, but could not arrive at any settle- 
ment. The Mexican General ordered Taylor to return to the banks 
of Xueces. To this. Taylor replied, that he had come by the order 
of his government, and he should not go back until he received 
orders to do so. from the same source. When President FV^lk re- 
ceived word of the skirmish on April 23, 1846. he sent a message to 
Cong"ress. saying: "Mexico has passed the boundaries of the United 
States, and has shed American blood on American soil. \\'a.r exists, 
and exists by the act of Mexico itself." ( )n the 13th of May a 
formal declaration that war existed with Mexico was passed by 
Congress. On the 8th of April, 1847. ^^'^^ Army marched on toward 
the interior, entering Jalapa on the eleventh day of March : they also 
captured the City of Puebla on the 15th of May. In the two months 
just passed, this army of ten thousand men took some of the 
strongest fortresses on the Continent, and made ten thousand pris- 
oners, beside capturing a quantity of ammunition. During" the 
Summer, while the Armv was resting at Puelila, the American 
government was sueing for peace, but witliout success. The 
Mexicans were unwilling to acce]:)t. holding out with f)ersistance. 



348 TJii'; Town and I'jciu'I.k 

in spite of the losses they had sustained. During- the month of 
August several important victories were gained in the vicinity of 
the City of Mexico. About this time Santa Anna asked for an 
armistice, which was granted, and a commission was sent with a 
treaty of peace. He returned with word that it had been scorned, 
and that Santa Anna had been taking advantage of the freedom 
from l)attle, to strengthen the defenses. Scott declared the armistice 
to be at an end and prepared to storm the Capitol. The Mexicans 
were repulsed, fled into the city through an acjueduct, and the Amer- 
ican dag was furled on Chepultepec. ( )n Se]:)tember 14. a delega- 
tion from the city authorities waited upon General Scott, begging 
him to spare the town and treat for peace. They entered the city 
at 10 o'clock, and took formal possession of the Mexican Empire. 
One of the most important articles of the treaty, signed on Febru- 
ary 2, 1848, was that which settled the boundary between the two 
countries. Alexico yielded Texas, making the Rio Grande the 
boundary, and sold the province of California and New Mexico to 
the United States. About this time gold was discovered in Cali- 
fornia and the rush for the "gold diggings" began, giving the people 
something new to thing about. — TJic Mexican JFar. 

Woman's Ci.rr., \\'ooi)i'.rm'. Coxx. I^dn.v G. Mai.lory. 

DivCE^rnivR 13, 1900. — ( )ne of the most ])leasant recollection I have 
of "good times" in Woodbury, is that of attending the Cantata re- 
hearsals in- Strong's Hall, imder the leadership of the late Earl 
Buckingham ; es])eciallv, the "going home" after they were out 
for the evening, when my chum and myself were fortunate enough 
to get a sleigh ride with the flutist of the Cantata. ( )ne of us 
girls would drive, while he would entertain us with nuisic on the 
flute, until, from the cold, frosty air. the fingers of both musicians 
and drivers were so numb, we had to change occupation and found 
ourselves down in Southbury. \\'hereuiion, we would turn the old 
horse about, and all join in singing "( )ld lUack Joe," "I'hantom 
Footsteps" and the like, till we reached otu' own doors again. 

r»KTHEi., Conn. JLi.iA Ij;ks St.vrr. 



\\()o1)];i;r^', (.■oNNKCTLtrT - 349 

I )i:(i'..M |'.i;k 13, lyoo. — As present residciUs of the old town of 
v'^inishurx , one of the oldest towns in the State, and one recently 
hror.o-ht into prominence Ijv furnishing- to the v'^tate the young and 
talented Governor-Elect, it is natural that we should send greet- 
ings to our sister town — ( )ld Woodbury. 

To all former residents of the good old Town, we often, and 
naturally turn homeward, to renew pleasant acquaintances, and 
review scenes and incidents so interesting to those to the manor 
born. In these days of improvement in mechanics, we are re- 
minded of the changes wdiich have taken place, we remember one 
of the sawmills of the towm, wdiose motions were so slow^ that it 
was remarked that the saw went up in the morning and came down 
at night, thus constituting a day's work. Another one of this 
period was called the runaway sawmill, or rather one which refused 

to stop sawing, until the neighl)ors were called in to "stop the 

thing!" But these moderate and obstreperous things of ye olden 
times, are now supplanted by more modern inventions. There is 
something about Old Woodbury that reminds me of its solidity; the 
attractive homes, the rich lands, and a general air of prosperity, the 
lovely valley lying betw-een the beautiful hills, all constitute a pleas- 
ant memory. We are not surprised that those five sturdy men, when 
on their journey from Stratford to spy out the land, when all was 
then a wilderness, should be so impressed with the scene from an 
adjacent western hill, with the lovely valley spread out before them, 
that thev decided at once to go down and occu])y the land. To the 
noble men and women in after years, who did so much to mould 
the character of the town, \\'oodl)tu-y is now indebted to those sweet 
influences. 

We all remember those good men and saintly women who w^ere 
so devoted to the Church, and the solemn obligations thereliy im- 
posed, their faithful observance of the Sabbath, with its sacred as- 
sociations. Of this number Deacon ^Matthew Minor, of former 
years, was a striking example, a ])erson noted for his jiiety and con- 
sistent dailv walk and conversation. ( )n which of his descendants 
his mantle has fallen, is still an open question, the writer, modestly 
disclaims all title to the distinguished honor. We recollect the 



350 THE TuWiN A.NU PKOl'LE 

acknowledgment made for the services of kind neighbors at the 
sickness of a colored family there, when the bereaved husband ex- 
pressed his thanks at the funeral of his wife thus : "He took this 
opportunity to thank the relatives, on behalf of the narratives for their 
kindness to the deceased during her late sickness !" I have thought 
sometimes, that the thorough study of the Bible by our ancestors, 
prevented a perversion of the Scriptures, as expressed in later times, 
by a family who were then residents of Litchfield County. The afore- 
said family, living on the outskirts of the town, unfortunately were 
prevented from attending Church Ijy the intervening distance, or 
disinclination possibly. It happened, that the wife was taken seriously 
sick, and feeling alarmed over her conditon, called her husband to 
her bedside, expressed to him her fears that this was her last 
sickness, and feeling distressed over her past life, thought she would 
like to talk with a minister. The husband gladly acceded to her 
wishes, and started for a neighborhood pastor. On entering the 
sick room, the minister was aware of her critical condition, and be- 
tween her groans she told the minister, that "she wished that she was 
dead and in Beelzebub's bosom." \Miat ! What! Xo ! Xo ! you don't 
mean that," said the minister, "you mean Abraham's bosom." "Well, 
all the same, I knew it was some of them old fellows." 

Still following in a reminiscent mood we cannot forget those de- 
voted people who formerly composed the congregations of the vari- 
our Churches, now mostly gathered to their fathers, as a stroll 
through the ancient cemeteries will attest : 

"Far from the maddening crowds ignoble strife. 
Their sol)er wishes never learned to straj' ; 
Along the cool, sequestered vale of life 
They kept the noiseless tenor of their way." 

The "Sweet Singer." for man\' years the leader oi the X^orth 
Church Choir, now singing with the choir above, the host of others, 
godly men and mothers in Israel, now resting from their labors, such 
exainples, we, of the present day have. 

Snrsru/Rv. Conx. William P. Smith. 



woooiuKY, coxxKCTicir 351 

Ukcicmbek 20, 1900. — My fatlier's grandfather was a Major of 
Cavalry in tlie Revolution. He is accredited to Farmington and 
Hartford, but resided in Woodbury from the time that he was four- 
teen years old. A trooper of his Cavalry, told my father of one of 
his expeditions. A company of sixty troopers, under his com- 
mand, were to intercept the British whom they knew were coming 
down the Hudson River to New York. They carefully picked their 
way along the route, on one side of the path and the other, to avoid 
detection, following in single file. ( )n reaching a narrow pass. 
Major Bull turns in the saddle and shouts "Come on boys, we've got 
the dogs." They succeeded in delating the British some hours, they 
supposing, that thev were to meet a large army, and so accomplishing 
the object of the expedition. Major Bull accompanied General 
Washington to Philadelphia. While three sons and the Major were 
away scouting and the family were alone with a boy of fifteen, who 
had a sprained ankle, the British, twenty in number, were seen 
coming over the hill. The family were much frightened, liut suc- 
ceeded in driving them away. Major lUill was a small man and 
rode an imported horse. At a barbecue, where a roasted ox was 
placed whole on the table, standing on its feet, the Major on horse- 
back would leap over the ox back and forth. The horse was finally 
returned to Canada. It may have been the property of some British 
officer who stopped at the house. Major Bull was present at the 
capture of Burgoyne. — Major Bull's Hcroisin and Bravery of His 
Sons. 

My mother's grandfather lived in what was called lUish Place. 
He had flocks of boys and girls, children were plenty in those days. 
He expected a man to see him one day, who was a talented person, 
but had a local reputation for swearing. "Go right home children," 
he said, "This man is going to swear and you shall not hear it." 
Some relatives of the family lived north toward Canada. An 
elegantly-dressed descendant of one of the gayer brothers, when on 
a visit, declared that two boys and gnds were not mentioned on the 
records ; the sons being omitted because they were said to have dis- 
pleased their father, and the daughters on account of being so 
ntimerous. — My Grand fat]}cr's Pici\. 



^^2 TUK TUWX AND PF.OI'LI-; 

\\'hen P. T. rJarnum was a boy he was employed l)v Air. JJrown 
of Southbury. Me was sent to drive cattle to the New York market, 
receiving one dollar and a quarter as pay. With his money he 
bought clothing- and some gingerbread and a loaf of bread, and 
later exchanged some of the articles for something additional to eat. 
— /'. T. Baniiiin's Bcgiiiiiiiig. 

Miss Lucinda Mitchell's grandfather resided for a while at (Jim- 
stead's Alills. When at her grandfather's she often visited at the 
next house on the west. Aly grandmother, Uetty Mitchell, was ten 
years older, and frequently went to this house visiting and taking 
care of the baby while the people were away. The child was Ethan 
Allen. The old hotise was taken down several years ago, but the 
foundation still remains. — Bfhaii Allen's Childhood. 

( )ne of the early pastors of the First Church had C(jmi)leted a fine 
residence. He was called upon by the pastor of the North Church 
and congratulated. "Xow." said he. "the cage is ready, but where 
is the bird?" "Rome was not built in a day," was the re])lv. Rev. 
Anthony Stoddard owned some fine pear trees upon the hill. One 
night two boys started to sample the fruit. The minister observed 
them, and one of the boys fled, the other was met by the good minis- 
ter to whom the youth said, "T am a great deal better boy than he is." 
"^^"hy," asked the parson. "The wicked flee when no man pursueth, 
but the righteous is bold as a lion," was the reply. He invited him 
in and gave him an abundance of the fine fruit. 

I'riest Ciraham, of Southburv, was a direct descendant of the Duke 
of Montrose, who figured so largely in Sir Walter Scott's writings. 
One of his sons left for Canada when (|uite }oung, saying, that 
when he came back, his horse's feet should be shod with silver, a 
pro]:)hecy said to have been literally fulfilled, many testifying that 
his horse's feet shone as he passed along the way. 

Ca])tain Jesse Minor remembered the burial of Chief Tomperaug 
in this \'alley near to the river which bears his name, llow a large 
company of Indians were seen ])assing through the streets silently 
bearing their Chieftain, laving him down to rest in the shadow of 
a cliff, on the western side of ihe trail that led from the Housatonic 



WOODBURY^ CONNKCTICUT 353 

to the Xaugatuck River. His Prophet was buried beside him. 
The school cliildren, in their leisure hours, often climbed the ledge 
to enjoy the beautiful view of the river valley and Castle Rock. They 
recall the mounds which \vere side by side at the l)ase of the rock. — 
Old Time Stories. 
A\'ooDBURY, Conk. Elizabeth Bull. 

December 23, 1900. — :Mrs. James A. Gallup of Madison writes: 
'T was much interested in all that has l)een told me of the Souvenir 
which is being- prepared of dear Old Woodbury ; also in the allusions 
to my sainted father. Rev. Samuel R. Andrews, and his writings. 
His benignant and lovely face hangs near me as I write, and seems 
to bring him back from the spirit world, with a word of counsel for 
his much loved people. The enclosed poem was written on his 
leaving his flock, and I thought you might like it. 

December 2^. 1845. — To a pastor departing from his people after 
a thirty years" ministry : 

How cans't thou leave us? Many years in flying 

Since thou wert wiith us as our watchful guide. 
Have placed thee by the bedside of the dying. 

By cradled infant, and by blushing bride. 
Thine was the hand to wipe the tear of sorrow. 

By sure bereavement wrung from downcast eyes, 
To point the mourners to a bright to-morrow. 

Where they shall join their lost ones in the skies. 

Here is thy home; when life was in its morning. 

Here came thy wnfe forsaking earlier ties; 
Thy lonely hearth with woman's love adorning. 

And brightening all the future to thine eyes. 
Here thy young children sported in their childhood. 

Wild as the breeze that wantoned with their hair: 
Gathering the flowers that decked the neighboring wildwood. 

Gleeful and careless as the sweet birds there. 



354 THE TOWN AND I'KOPLK 

Here have our hearts so long been warmly cHngiiig 

Around thee, as our reverend Pastor Friend : 
Day after day are added tribute bringing 

Of love w^hich knows no compass and no end. 
How shall we list or learn the path to Heaven, 

When other lips than thine shall teach the way? 
'Twill be too hard to see a stranger, even 

Where thou wert wont always to preach and pray ! 

Can'st thou leave all on which thine eyes have rested. 

In care and fondness for so many years? 
The hearts whose friendship hath been often tested 

By sympathy in all thy joys and fears? 
Fondly we hoped that when thy life was waning. 

We should be gathered round thy dying bed. 
Beside thee till the final sigh remaining. 

Then gently lay thee with our slumbering dead. 

It may not bo! and therefore when thou guest. 

Blessings unnumbered be around thy way : 
Though parted here, by holy faith thou knowest. 

We shall be with thee at the judgment day. 
We shall rejoice in that celestial morning. 

To see thee meekly standing with the blest : 
Thy worthy brow a radiant crown adorning. 

Thy warfare ended in eternal rest ! 

WooDiUTRY. Conn. M.\rv E. Smith Monell. 

December 24, lyoo. — 

Ah ! is it "sad to be growing old," 

To feel thy vigor decaying. 
And that Time is over thy br(.>w. his 

Blossoms of silver laying? 
To feel that the raven locks which lay 

Fair on thy forehead are growing gray? 

Is it sad to count the furrows deei)eiiing, 

On cheeks and brow one liy one. 
And lean on thy staff like a tired one. 

Whose journey is almost done? 
Ye have been young and strong and l)old : 

Say, is it sad to be growing old? 



avoodl: vk\, coi\ .\ licn c uT 

Tlie old man said ,"Is it sad to see 

A tree in the Autumn hours, 
Bending with fruit that has had its Spring. 

And Summer of leaves and Howers, 

Or sad to see on the Simimer plain. 
Bowing with ripeness the golden grain?" 

"It is not sad to be growing old, 

A noble teacher is Time; 
What are shadows, and what is the real 

I have learned well to divine. 
Things that shall never pass away. 

Time has brought me with locks of grey." 

"It is not sad to be growing old. 

For those whom I loved are gone. 
The bold and beautiful ones of youth 

Have joined the departed throng; 
These silver locks are meet for my head. 

For the sweet friends whom I loved are dead. 

"It is not sad to lean on my staff, 

Like a worn and tired one, 
My journey through the snows and the liowers, 

Thank Heaven is nearly done; 
And I am now such a stranger here. 

My staff has grown a companion dear." 

"It is not sad to feel my vigor 

And strength fast decaying. 
These are the visible and deep signs 

Constantly to me saying. 
That I am going with my snowy hair — 

A pillow of rest with friends to share." 

"It is not sad the furrows to count. 

And look with a fading eye 
On the beautiful earth I have loved. 

And on the glorious sky ; 
Beyond the blue that is spread above, 

I shall find a Heaven of youth and love." 

—TIic Reply. 
WooDRURY. Conn. Mrs. August.v Blackmar. 



355 



356 THE TOWN AND PKOPLK 

DiicKMBER 31. 1900. — The Woman's Club of Woodbury met on 
Monday evening-, December 31, 1900, at the Library Room, in ac- 
cordance with the program of their ^'ear Book, and in fulfilhnent of 
the plans of the Executive and Social Committees, holding a large 
gathering, entitled, "Foremothers' Day." Topics appropriate to the 
close of the century were pertinently and gracefully treated, the 
evening closing with a Reception. 

The women of to-day consider that the century has been of great 
importance in their history, and that foremost among the noble ideas 
developed, are the Woman's Clubs. 

Their early history is considered by some writers to be associated 
with the societies held in the first part of the century, when women 
organized to obtain funds for missionary purposes, some of the mem- 
bers reading, while others sewed. "The Club Woman" gives an ac- 
count of a Woman's Club, organized as early as 1805 in Boston. 
The meetings were held on Saturday afternoon, the exercises con- 
sisting of readings from "Any book favorable to the improvement of 
the mind," the reader pausing "that any observation might be of- 
fered." The liooks read included "Watts on the Mind." "The 
Female Mentor," Hannah .Kdams's "History of New England," and 
Homer's "Iliad." Discussions followed on such subjects as, "The 
Disadvantages from Reading Novels," "With How Much Religion 
Ought a Person to be Satisfied?" Some of their compositions were 
entitled "The First of May," "Reflections on a Moonlight Evening," 
and "On the Rising Sun." Later, they were required to commit to 
memory twent}' lines from some approved author. With the in- 
creased opportunities for education for women, clubs came to be 
organized, having a literary, social or educational object. Tn March, 
1868, at a reception, lield at the home of .Mice and Plioelie Cary, the 
idea of a Woman's Club was mentioned by Mrs. J- C. Croly. The 
ladies present were unanimously agreed that a club was needed, 
where women could come to exchange ideas and plans for i:)rogress. 
Soon after, the first Club, conij^osed entirel\- of women, was or- 
ganized, called "Sorosis." holding the first meeting in New York 
on April 20, i^f>S. The following is the list of officers: 



\V()()i)r.iR\-, co.wi'.c'iMci T ^^^y 

I'lcsidriit, Alice Cary. 
ricc-rrcsiJciil. Jennie C. Croly. 
Corresponding Secretary. Kate Field. 
Recording Secretary. Cliarlotte B. \\ illmur. 

Phoebe Cary and oilier ladies were appointed menihers of the committee. 

The plan of this organization is inchoated in the following constitu- 
tion : "The ohject of this Association is to promote agreealjle and 
useful relations among women of literary and artistic taste. It is 
entirely independent of sectionalshi]) or partisanship. It recopiizes 
women of thotight, ctilttire and humanity everywhere, particularly 
when those qualities have formed expression in outward life and 
work. It aims to establish a kind of freemasonry among women of 
similar pursuits, to render them helpful to each other and bridge 
over the barriers, which citstom and social etiquette place in the way 
of friendly intercourse. It affords among women an opportunity 
for the discussion of new facts and principles, the resitlts of which 
promise to exert an important influence on the future of women 
and the welfare of society." 

At the close of this centtiry Woman's Clubs, number some seventy 
in our own State, and many thousand in this and other lands. The 
call in 1890 for a General Federation of Clubs was from "Sorosis." 
"Mother of Clubs," Connecticut l)eing represented by delegates at 
this convention, which assembled in 1894. 

On January 16, 1896, a company of ladies, sixteen in number, from 
the town of Woodbury, met at the Library Room to consider the 
organization of a Woman's Club. The purpose of this gathering- 
suggested by Mrs. P. T. Boyd received the cordial and united .sup- 
port of the ladies present, representing the various parts of the 
town. The Club was organized as the "Woman's Club of Wood- 
bury," and the following officers were elected : 

President. Mrs. P. S. Boyd. 

Vice-President, Mrs. Nathaniel M. Strong. 

Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. James Huntington. 

Executive Committee, Mrs. G. F. Morris and Mrs. William J. Clark. 

The meetino's of the Club were held on alternate Tuesdays, when 



358 THE TOWN AND FKOl'LE 

ori,q-inal papers were read by the members, topics of the day dis- 
cussed, and personal recollections of J. G. Whittier, Harriet Beecher 
Stowe and others were given by the President. A constitution, 
broad and liberal in intent, was adopted, and on this and each suc- 
ceeding- Fall, a Year Book has been prepared, planning for original 
articles from the members upon historical, educational, sociolog^ical 
topics and household economics. In the preparation of these topics 
the best libraries of the State are consulted, and the finely written 
papers are the results of thorough investigation, thoug'ht and study. 
Lectures are given upon interesting subjects, musical and social 
g-atherings are held. 

The Club has steadily progressed from the date of organization. 
The membership includes fifty ladies from the dififerent parts of 
the town, improvements have been made in the constitution and 
committees added, whose departments are of value to the Club. The 
benefits resulting from the refining and cultivated association, include 
a breadth of thought and sympathy, wider acquaintanceship, the de- 
velopment of the dormant ability of the members, betterment of the 
homes, and the advancement of educational and philanthropic con- 
ditions. 

On April 20, 1897, the Woman's Club of Woodbury accepted the 
invitation of the Bridgeport Societies and through the appointed 
delegates, Mrs. P. S. Boyd and Mrs. N. M. Strong, united with the 
fifty Clubs of the State in forming the State Federation of Con- 
necticut. 

The meetings of the Woman's Club are held on alternate Mon- 
days at the Library Room in the Town Hall. The present officers 
are : 

rvcsidcnt, Mrs. Thomas L. Shea. 

Vice-President. Mrs. Horace D. Curtiss. 

Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Nathaniel M. Strong. 

Bxccufive Canmiitfee. Mrs. D. R. Rodger, Connty Organizer, and Mrs. 
Charles K. Smith. 

Committee on Town Charities, Mrs. James H. Huntington. Mrs. J. A. 
Freeman and Mrs. Francis Daw.son. 

Committee on Current Events, Mrs H. S. Karrmann. Miss E. E. Hunting- 
ton. 



WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT 359 

Cotnniittcc on Lectures, Miss S. Augusta Salmon, Miss Edna Mallory, Mrs. 
John Munson. 

Committee on Music, Mrs. H. S. Karrmann. Miss Sara .\J. Curtiss. Miss 
Grace C. Betts. 

Social Committee, Mrs. J. W. Cowies, Mrs. Frank Barnes, Miss Lottie 
Hitchcock. 

Special Committee, Miss K. M. Woodruff. Mrs. Kstella Smith, Miss S. M. 
Curtiss, Miss Annie Bradley. 

WooDiuTRY, Conn. Julia Minor Strong. Secretary. 

Yes, Woodbury is a fine old town. "Beautiful for situation, the 
joy of all," who have been fortunate enoug-h to have found a home 
in her. Like some of the goods in the stores. "Without a rival, 
without a peer." True, we have on our seaboard, some very pretty 
villages, but they lack our surroundings. A gentleman, who had 
seen both, once said that "Lenox had no finer views than the one 
from High Street, including as it does, Good Hill, West Side, 
Pomperaug, Nonnewaug. Orenaug and Woodbury Center." We 
have four churches whose spires point heavenward, whose doors 
stand invitingly open and where charity, love and good will are con- 
stantly ]ireached. Our High School is presided over by a Christian 
instructor, educated, adapted to the calling, where parents and 
guardians can safely trust their children. We have a free, intelli- 
gent, independent press that needs no dictation or censorship, and 
a peo]ile kindh' disposed and ever ready to welcome strangers. — 
Corrcsl'ondcucc irafrrhitry .liner icon. 

WooDiuiRY. Conn. Coknicijus j. .Mixou. 







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THE FALLS OF TIIL EAST MEADOW I'.KOOK. 



LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. 



PACK. 

ANDREWS, SAMUEL R i5 

ABBOTT. A. V. R 200 

ABERNETHY, SUSAN T 120 

ABERNETHY. ARTHUR B 250 

ALLEN. GEORGE P 84. 306 

ALLEN. JOHN H 122, 305 

ALLEN. ELLEN W 212 

ALLEN. EMILY U 222 

ALLEN. JULIA F 307 

ALLEN. LILLIAN S 259 

ALLEN. WEALTHY R 120 

ATCHISON. JOSEPH .U2 

ATWOOD. EUGENE 1 5.3 

BAILEY. ANNA M .508 

BAKER. MAUD L 303 

BALDWIN. JUDAH 220 

BALDWIN. SUSAN W 72 

BARNES. LEON M .308 

BLACKMAN. E. J '86 

BLACKMAR. AUGUSTA 354 

BLACKMAR. BRUCE G .U7 

BLACKMAR. FLORA A 3.^8 

BOYD. EDWARD S 35 

BULL, DAVID S -'7 

BULL, ELIZABETH .?5i 

BULL, ]VLIA E -'02 

BURTON. JEANETTE S "^5 

BURTON. HORTENSIA T 146 

CAPEWELL. GEORGE J 293 

CHURCHILL. JOHN 21 

COTHREN. WILLIAM n. ' >4 

CORNING. MARIA A 251 

CRANE. STEPHEN H : 183 

CURTIS. LUCIUS Q 3i8 

CURTISS. FRANCES J 266 

CURTISS. SARA M 3i3 



LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. 

PAGE. 

DAWSON. E. Al 255 

DAWSON, SERINA T 303 

DEFOREST. MARCUS 2^,7 

FARRI NGTON, MAUD VV 68 

FREEMAN. JOSEPH A 270 

FREEMAN. GEORG!^: H 171 

FRLSBIE. \VATS( )N 82 

FORD. FRANK R 201 

GALPJ N. LEMAN W 183 

GALPIN. MRS. ALMON 211 

GARLICK. MRS. CHARLES 142 

GALLUP. CHARLOTTE A 194 

GRAHAME, DWIGHT W 213 

GORDON. MRS. ALEXANDER 131 

GORDON, WILLIAM A 298 

GORDON. EDWIN S 209 

GROUT, ED(;AR H 86 

HARVEV. NELLIE i J 58 

HARRISON. EMILY H 325 

HIGGINS. RICHARD T 47 

HITCHCOCK. FLOYD F 25 

HITCHCOCK. LOTTIE E 282 

HITCHCOCK. HENRV S 339 

HOTCHKISS, REUBEN H 237 

HOLLISTER. D. F 35 

HOLLISTER. LORA 241 

HOLLISTER. SETH 122 

HULL. AMMI 147 

HULL, W. N 327 

HUNTI N(;T0N. JAMES 45, T48 

JUDD. H. Q 255 

JUDSON. EDWARD 35 

JUDSON. FLETCHER W 261 

JUDSON. HARRIF.TT E 235 

JUDSON, SARA M 118 

JUDSON. F. E 254 

KARRMANN. MRS. H. S \}7 

KNOX. ARTHUR \i 26 

KTRTL.XNI), CHARLIES W 264 



iJST OF CON'l'UlI'.lToKS. 

PAGE. 

LAMBERT, HKNR^' A ■ • ■ 79 

LAMBERT, WILBUR C ■ ■ ■ .^'^ 

LAMBERT, MRS. AURELIA '93 

LEAVENWORTH. C. R ^^7 

LEWIS, A. N ^3.V .U3 

LOCKWOOD. JAMES H '82 

MARTIN. JOHN 215 

MARTIN, R. B 54 

MALLORY, EDITH M ■ 290 

MALLORY. EDNA G 346 

MCLAUGHLIN, MARY B 309 

MELOY, SARAH S 30i 

MINOR, CHARLES M -"^7 

MINOR, TRUMAN '74 

MINOR. CORNELIUS J 359 

MINOR, FRANCES A -'74 

MINOR. FANNIE J 7° 

MINOR. JESSE 93 

MINOR. MARGARET S 164 

MINOR, EDITH J 165 

MINOR, SOLOMON C 77 

MINOR, EMILY T ^99 

MITCHELL. ASAHEL W., SR 24. 12.? 

MITCHELL. MRS. ASAHEL W • . 238 

MITCHELL. ASAHEL W 7. 198 

MITCHELL, CHARLES C 82 

MITCHELL. HATTIE L 345 

MITCHELL, FANNIE B 3i 

MONELL, MARY E. SMITH 49. 333 

NICHOLS, HENRIETTA B 272 

NICHOLS, JOHN W ^8. ^t 

NOYES. GURDON W 75 

NOYES, MRS. GURDON W 254 

NOYES. EDWARD M 7^ 

PARTREE. H. T 241 

PARKER. KATHERINE M 84 

PAULISON. MRS. J. C 124 

PECK. D. C 247 

PECK. SAMUEL E 258 

PERCY. CHARLES 345 



LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. 

PAGE. 

RATHBUN, SARAH B 54 

RHOADES, H. E 22 

RHOADES, W. C 128 

ROOD, WILBUR V 209 

ROBINSON, CHARLES E ". 225 

SAXTON. GEORGE 328 

SALMON, S. AUGUSTA 50 

SELDEN, CLARA W 206 

SHEA, EMMA A 190 

SHEFFIELD, L. R 188 

SHERMAN, GEORGE P 158 

SHOVE, SUSAN B 12 

SMITH, NATHANIEL i75 

SMITH, EMILY G 148 

SMITH, MRS. C. K 191 

SMITH, WILLIAM P 349 

SOMERS, D. C 119 

STARR, JULIA L 348 

STILES, MRS. W. M 312 

STILLMAN, HARRIET S 228 

STRONG, W. A 61. 93, 133, 137, i.^g, 144, 157, 167 

STRONG, F. T 279 

STRONG, HATTIE C 64 

STRONG, JULIA M 66, 106. 1 59. 1 77. -'03. 244. .^isfi 

STRONG, MRS. WILLIAM 21. \ 

STRONG. FRANK W 183 

TALMAGE. H. C 302 

TERRILL, J. G 96 

TERRILL, MARTHA F 209 

TOMLINSON, SAMUEL C 262 

THOMPSON, T. M i79 

TULLAR, MRS. AUGUSTA 284 

WEEKS. WILLIAM M 331 

WHITTLESEY, C. T 323 

WHITTLESEY, F. A 150 

WILGUS, CHARLOTTE M 273 

WILKINSON, ELIZABETH J 263 

WOODRUFF, KATHERINE M 335 

WYCKOFF, J. L. R t8 

WYCKOFF, J. C 301 

WYCKOFF, HERBERT J 261 



ADVERTlSliMKNTS 



iR! pm, 



WOODBURY, CONN. 

In the twenty-fifth year of its publi- 
cation. The only newspaper pub- 
lished within an area of ten miles in 
any direction. ^ ^ 

An Advertising medium of sub- 
stantial circulation. Has eight pages, 
forty-eight columns, is published 
every Thursday, and only $1.50 per 
year. e^ . «^ ^ 



FINE JOB PRINTING. 



The Reporter Printery is well 
equipped for nearly all kinds of work. 
Estimates cheerfully furnished. 
A. E. KNOX, 
Editor and Proprietor. 



Long Distance 'Phone, 19-15. 



advf:ktisemp:nts 



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fife 



SKeOk^r 



k 

I Americarv 

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Iff- 

i 

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p)j((f 

Il 
if 

II 



Established, January 1, 1853 



Hotchkissville, 
Conn.' 



il 

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Compadiy if 



MANUFACTVR.ER.S OF 



SHEARS AND POCKET CUTLERY 



SHEARS. 

AmericaLf\ SKea^r Co. 
Connecticut Shear Co 
^. v> r^ 



BRANDS: 

CUTLER.Y. 

AnvericaLn Shear a.nd 

Knife Co. 
Hotchkissville Knife Co. 



^■'^ 

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ADVKKTISK.MKNTS 



J I 

i THE CURTIS HOUSE i 

i i 

ESTABLISHED 1754. 



^^HIS LONG ESTABLISHED AND FAVORITE 
^"^ Hotel offers a most desirable place of residence 
for summer or winter. 

Under the present management the house has 
been modernized, recently refitted and improved, and 
is first-class in all its appointments. 

The location is unsurpassed for healthfulness, 
beauty of scenery and convenience of access. 

A genial and pleasant home is always found 
here, and its Cuisine is of unsurpassed excellence. 

Fine Livery in attendance. 

L. E. CIRTIS, Proprietor. 

Long Distance Telephone, 196-2. 



ADVKKTISEMENTS 



R R HITCHCOCK, 



WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN 



SHELF AND HEAVY HARDWARE, 

Builders' Materials, Blacksmiths' and Carriage Makers' 

Supplies, Agricultural Implements, Seeds, Paints 

and Oils, Cordage, Cutlery, Lamps, Glass, 

Tin and Wooden Ware, Stoves, Ranges, 

Furnaces, Bicycles and Sundries. 



Tinning, Plumbing, Heating and Jobbing 



WOODBURY. CONN. 



The Hotcl^kixsvillc Gish Store. 



K ^ \^^ ^ 






OUT A ^^ / 

RCCUUATOR ^^ 

or PRictS 

This Watch is /\lwaus l^kihr cirul Dciiorcs the Tcrins or .Sole. 

Our i^Iorto Tl\c I5e5t micilitu (iivl the (Irrafe.sr QiKinrihi for the Selling 
Price we caa \x^^<\W^ (,lve. (illOlXill T. MOPPIS. 



ADVlvK'l'lSJvMlCNTS 



JAS. HUNTINGTON AR.THUR. D. WARNER. 

HUNTINGTON ^ WARNER. 

Attorneys a-rvd Counselors at La-w 

MAIN STREET WOODBURY 



<^"^^^^^^',i7 •<27-,i7=''^2=' •,-7-,i?'-,-7 .,-7-^5^-^2^ •^57-,,5?'-^=7 -^rS^-^^ 



m WE ARE THE LARGEST 



T 



T DEALERS IN ^ ^ ^ 

^1^ Drugs^ Paints^ Oils and VarnisheSt 

^1 Stationery and 

* - SPORTING GOODS. - 

# .4 .* .^ ^ 

m W OODBURY DRUG CO:t 

^0^ WOODBURY, CONN. 



V 3'oii want Horse or Ox Shoeing or General Black- 
smithing in all its branches, go to . . . . 



IVI. IT. ^KTE^X^l^^i^, \Voocll>tii-y, C?o»». 



ADVKKTISEMENTS 



-♦♦-♦-♦ ♦-♦^ ♦-♦-♦-♦- •-♦--♦-♦-♦^ >-♦- -< 



♦**,Louis E* Dawson***, 

Dealer in 

DRY GOODS, GROCERIES, CROCKERY, t 
HATS AND CAPS, CLOTHING, ^ 

t 
t 



CARPETS, WALL PAPER, ^ j* 



MATTING, EARTHEN WARE. ! 



Everything^ to be found in a General Store. 

"CORNER STORE," 

1 Main Street, .^ ^ North Woodbury, Conn, ♦ 



♦ ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦-♦♦•» ♦♦♦♦♦*♦♦- 



At Swanks Warerooms ^ ^ 

Can be Found a Carefully Selected Stock of 

} Furniture, Rugs, Mattings, Bedding, Lamps, . 

♦ _ _ I 

♦ Etc., Etc. z^ ^ ^ e^ ♦ 

Renovates Old Hair Mattresses, and Repairs t 



X All Kinds of Furniture. ^ ^ 

Undertaking and Embalming. «^ ^ 



GEORGE W. SWAN, - Funeral Director, 
♦ Woodbury, - - Connecticut. ♦ 

^f 

!♦♦♦«-♦«■♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦•♦-♦♦♦♦♦♦-♦^♦* ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦-♦< 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



trcaaurar. 



Cdward Coivies, SA*roste^enf. J^. cK TJomiinson, Ur. 

.. O'he .. 

is)oodbury ^ai^ings Qatik. 

deposits, $2J4'.886.24'. Surplus, $6,07L62. 

^SW. H. ROWELL,^^ 

DEALER IN 

WATCHES, CLOCKS AND JEWELRY, 

SOLID SILVER AND PLATED WARE. 

Watches, Clocks, Jewelry, Etc., Repaired and Refinished to look 
like new. Prices the Lowest in the State. 

W. H. ROWELL, - LEWIS BLOCK, Woodbury, Conn. 



Extra quality TEAS and COFFEES to meet the 
requirements of first-class family trade. Also gener- 
al line of DRY GOODS, LACES, UNDERWEAR, 
HOSIERY, Etc. 



L. A. PECK, 



DENTIST. 



EVERY WEDNESDAY IN R.OXBUR.Y 



ADVKRTISKiMEiSTS 



J oseph B* Hall 

BLACKSMITH, 

HORSESHOEING AND GENERAL JOBBING, 

Hotchkissville, Conn. 



E. W. EYRE, 

Dealer in 

Lamb, Mutton, Beef and Veal, 

Woodlxifi], Conn. 



Fire Insurance! 

In the Most Reliable and Popular 
Companies. Losses Promptly 
Paid, and Personal Attention 
Given All Applicants. 
MRS. S. W. BALDWI N. 



CHARLES T. TERRILL. 

Dealer irv 

ioe: 

Priva-te Fa-irvilies, Hotels a.nd Markets Svipplied with Pure Sprirvg 

Water Ice. 

North Woodbviry, Corvn. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



z£/ai/or tS. Curfi's .^oraco 0. Curtis Sdivarcf ^. Citrft's 

^aniel Curtis' J'ons 
Manufacturers of iOoolen Qoods 

Established 184-5 iOoodbury, Conn. 



r^■-te<#5■■j4rP^■■&r»^:-^»^■■s^»>••^»^>3( 

II ^C. h\. HARVEY^ II 

•||. DETXLCR IN «? 

I Dry Qoods k Qroccrics I 

ii ftOOTS cind SHOES, m 

II Heirs and Qips cincl General i^erchanclise. || 

if) is 

44 WOODBURY. C. M. HAPVCY. f? 

ERWIN C. DAWSON. 

DEALER. IN 

Firve Boots and SKoes, 

MAIN STR.EET. NOR.TH WOODBUR.Y. 



lO ADVERTISEMENTS 



Carriage Manufacturer 

REPAIRING andlPAINTING ac Specialty. 



I I 



W, H. MUNSON, 

Jt DEALER IN ^ 

Hardware^ Stoves^ Ranges, Agricultural 
Implements^ Etc. 

PLUMBING AND Steam, Hot Water and Hot 

TINNING. Air Heating. 

Estimates Furnished. NORTH WOODBURY, CONN. 



j^ung Aee : 






(Jr Chinese J^aundry^^ air 

V^ TYlnin Vff/yr,* t/f\^*U 7n\nnAis„t'„ V^ 



JYtain Street. North ie}ooclbury. 



Work promptly done and returned the third or fourth day after 
it has been received. 



ADVERTISEMENTS II 



^ DEALER IN ^ 

BOOTS, SHOES AND RUBBER GOODS, 

J* CUSTOM WORK AND REPAIRING. -^ 

STRONG'S BLOCK, WOODBURY. 



3. S. IRicbmonb, 
ipaintuiG anb Ipaper Ibanging, 

H)ealev in Mall paper an^ paints, 

Bstimatcs ifurnlsbcD. IHortb MooOburs, Conn. 



1 



BLACKSMITH 




Horse and Ox Shoeing and General Jobbing, 



Manufacturers of Fine Harness and Dealers in Horse 

Equipments of all kinds. Repairing 

promptly done. 

J. H. ALLEN, Manager. WOODBURY, CONN. 



12 



Al)\ i'lKTlSKAlKNTS 



I. T>. ivarvsr<><>i>. 



i Hi mm 



A^ OOr>I3Ul^^ , CO IN IV. 



i^''i^r9)-^rPi'i=r^''kirt^'^^''kir9::i 



r»i'kir^'iirPi'iir»)^P>'ik*:'k>P<-sirPi-i^»^i 



I j4otchkissi^ille, idoodbury 
I and Southbury 

I JYiail and Express. 

9. 

^ Leaves Holchkissville daily at «).4o and 10.15 a. ni.; 1.00 and 4.30 '1 

I 
I 



ff p. m. 

•J Leaves North Woodbnry P. C). at (i. 4-"), 7.15, 10.45 a. ni.; 1.15,4.45, J. 
3» 0.15 p. HI. '^^ 



.«•• 



Leaves Woodbury P. O. at 7.00, 7.;'.0, 1 1.00 a. m.; 5.00, (i.:*,!) p. 



^c- 



ff Connects with S.07, S,4l2 a. ni.; ll^.OS, -J. 21, 5.47, 7.80 p. m. trains at If' 



y 



- '\ 



Pomperaug \'alley, Southbury. 

:. KNOX, mail mwm. 



WATERBURY MUSICAL CO. 

C. H. PERCY, Proprietor. 

Leading Makes of Pianos and Organs, Sheet Music and 

all kinds of Musical Instruments. 

Optical Goods. 

145 BANK STREET, WATERBURY, CONN. 



adve;rtis£;ments 13 



* 



I Corner Dra0 Store. 



I Qaality. Qaantity. Variety. Low Prices. | 

* 1 

J}^ Our Stock comprises a full line of Drugs, Patent % 

* Medicines, Druggists' Sundries, and everything found in * 
flv a First-class Drug Store. <!> 



Our Prescription Trade is large, consequently our ^ 

^ drugs are always fresh. Prescriptions Compounded with Vk 

/ft Accuracy and Dispatch. S» 

/«s f 

4v We have an Extensive Grocery Department, contain- ^^ 

/ft 

/IS Purest Quality and the Best of Canned Goods. ^ 
<ft 



ing a full assortment of goods. Tea and Coffee of the ^ 

<!/ 

I 

i^\ The Largest Assortment of Gloves and Mittens in % 

I Litchfield County. J 

4S Strong's Ice Cream has an established reputation 

for its Unsurpassed Qualities. All the Fruit Ice Creams 



\»> 



I 

HI in their seasons. ^ 

I N. N. STRONG, \ 

I MAIN STRCm; - MOPTH WOODBlll^Y. | 



14 ADVERTISEMENTS 



THE WATERBURY 

BLANK BOOK 

MFG. COMPANY, 



WATERBURY, 



PRINTERS, BOOK BINDERS, LITHOGRAPH- 
ERS, COPPER PLATE PRINTERS, ENGRAVERS, 
BLANK BOOK MANUFACTURERS, RULERS, 
EMBOSSERS IN GOLD AND SILVER, JOBBERS, 
IN STATIONERY AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES. 



PRINTERS AND 
BOOK BINDERS. 



WE HAVE ONE OF THE FINEST EQUIPPED PLANTS 
IN THE STATE, WITH FACILITIES FOR DOING ALL 
KINDS OF PRINTING AND BINDING UNDER ONE 
ROOF. OUR PRINTING DEPARTMENT IS MODERN 
WITH ALL NEW AND LATEST FACES OF TYPES. 



